MINISTER OF JUSTICE APPOINTS PART-TIME COMMISSIONER OF THE CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

OTTAWA , December 20, 2004 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today announced the appointment of Aimable Ndejuru to the position of part-time Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

“Mr. Ndejuru brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Canadian Human Rights Commission,” said Minister Cotler. “I know the Commission will benefit greatly from his expertise.”

Mr. Ndejuru earned a doctorate in sport science and anthropology from the University of Cologne , in Germany , in 1982. Over the past few years, he has held several positions, including Commissioner of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. He is currently a professional development consultant with the IRBC. Prior to this, he taught anthropokinetics and education at l’Université du Québec à Montréal, and has worked as a journalist, teacher, and sports trainer in Germany and Rwanda . Mr. Ndejuru has been actively involved with ethnic communities, particularly in the Montreal area. He is most notably a founding member of Amitiés Canada-Rwanda, an organization devoted to the promotion of friendship between the two countries.

Established in 1977, t he Canadian Human Rights Commission is empowered by the Canadian Human Rights Act to settle complaints of discrimination in employment and in the provision of services within federal jurisdiction. Under the Employment Equity Act, the Commission ensures that federally regulated employers provide equal opportunities for employment to women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. The Commission is also mandated to develop and provide information and discrimination prevention programs.

For more information on the Canadian Human Rights Commission, visit www.chrc-ccdp.ca.

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Ref:

Denise Rudnicki
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621