Commission CEO to Continue Implementing Change
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Commission CEO to Continue Implementing Change
Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, announced today, Dec. 5, that Mayann Francis has been reappointed as director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for a five-year term. Ms. Francis will also continue as ombudsman until that position is permanently filled.
"I am pleased that Ms. Francis will continue in this position," said Mr. Baker. "Her leadership has led to positive changes at the commission."
In 2000, Ms. Francis initiated the first comprehensive organizational review of the commission in its 30-year history. The results of that review will be released in the coming days.
Over the past two years, the commission has focused resources on reducing backlogs in processing human rights complaints. Ms. Francis acknowledges that even more work needs to be done to improve service to the public.
"I have wanted to design and implement more efficient and effective ways to serve members of the public," said Ms. Francis. "The results from our organizational review provide us with a road map for that to happen."
In addition to streamlining the investigation process for human rights complaints, Ms. Francis also wants to place more attention on preventing discrimination before it happens.
"It's important that we are able to focus more energy on proactive measures such as public education, research and policy analysis and promoting innovation in employment practices targeted at disadvantaged groups," said Ms. Francis. "The changes we will implement in the coming months will allow us to dedicate more resources to these priorities."
Ms. Francis said she is also encouraging the chair of the organization and its commissioners to become more involved in public education on human rights.
"It is far better to engage business and community leaders in a dialogue to promote positive change," said Ms. Francis. "An open and accommodating society is a healthy and prosperous one. We will continue to work toward this vision."
Ms. Francis first became head of the commission in August 1999. Previously, she served as an assistant deputy minister in the Ontario provincial government and as employment equity officer at Dalhousie University. Ms. Francis is a past recipient of the Harry Jerome Award and received a Golden Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canadian society through her public service, volunteer and community activities. She is a native of Whitney Pier, Cape Breton.