Indian-Origin Rights Commissioner in Canada Steps Down Amid Controversy

August 14 :
In the wake of anti-Semitism accusations connected to his previous actions, Birju Dattani, the recently appointed chief commissioner of the Canadian human rights commission, resigned. Dattani posted his resignation on LinkedIn the day before his new position was set to begin. The incident arose after the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) voiced their disapproval of Dattani's prior usage of the moniker "Mujahid Dattani" in a number of online endeavors and speeches. Justice Minister Arif Virani authorized a fact-finding investigation since the Privy Council Office's initial background check failed to identify this name.

An investigation led by Filion Wakely Angeletti failed to uncover any evidence that Dattani held or expressed anti-Semitic beliefs, as stated in a report submitted on July 31, 2024. But it did bring to light worries over his candor during the screening process. The results are conclusive, Minister Virani said. On August 1, 2024, I got Mr. Dattani's comments on the report. When he decided to resign as chief commissioner, I respected his decision. It is my utmost concern to ensure that the Canadian public continues to have faith in the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Dattani, who had taken the name Mujahid after converting to Islam in 2001, claimed in his resignation article that he had decided to go back to his given name, Birju Dattani, in 2017 while still retaining the surname Mujahid. He reaffirmed his faith in the Commission's purpose and the vital role it plays in Canadian democracy. CIJA expressed its approval of Dattani's resignation, noting that the Jewish community had lost faith in him. "It was the right thing to do," remarked CIJA Vice President Richard Marceau, who raised the alarming issue of increasing anti-Semitism in Canada.