CHIEF COMMISSIONER APPOINTED TO THE CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

OTTAWA, August 8, 2002 -- The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced that Mary Gusella has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

Ms. Gusella joins the CHRC following her position as a Senior Advisor of the Privy Council Office. She holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa and joined the Federal Public Service in 1971. Ms Gusella, a lawyer and member of the Bar of Ontario, is fluently bilingual and brings to this position extensive experience in leading public sector organizations and in public policy.

With over 10 years experience as a Deputy Minister, her background includes leading the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship in developing public awareness programs to combat racism, implementing federal multiculturalism and diversity programs, promoting understanding of human rights in Canada and coordinating the domestic implementation of international human rights instruments.

This appointment is effective immediately.

The mandate of the Canadian Human Rights Commission is to promote human rights principles, and to discourage and reduce discriminatory practices by dealing with complaints of discrimination on the prohibited grounds in the Canadian Human Rights Act. The Chief Commissioner is the principal spokesperson on issues of human rights and public policy and represents the Commission and Canada at international fora.

For more information about the Canadian Human Rights Commission, please visit their website: www.chrc-ccdp.ca.

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Ref:

Suzanne Thébarge
Director of Communications
Minister Cauchon's Office
(613) 992-4621