Independent Process Chosen for Selecting Inquiry Members

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Independent Process Chosen for Selecting Inquiry Members

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has implemented a new, independent process for screening applicants to its board of inquiry member roster. For the first time, an external selection committee will screen applicants.

Members of the selection committee, chaired by Kenneth Ozmon, president emeritus of Saint Mary's University, also include: Daurene Lewis, principal of the Halifax campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College; Philip Girard, professor at Dalhousie Law School; Daniel Paul, columnist and authority on Mi'kmaq history; Srinivasen Pillay from the law firm McGinty McCleave; and Judy Hughes, executive director of the Nova Scotia Disabled Person's Commission.

"I am thrilled with the caliber of our selection committee," said Mayann Francis, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "These individuals were selected for their expertise and experience in human rights and social justice issues. I believe having an external panel will provide transparency and accountability to this process which, in the end, will better serve the public."

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission maintains a roster of about 30 potential panel members from across the province. The chief judge of the provincial court nominates an individual(s) for appointment to a human rights board of inquiry to hear a case at the request of the commission. The chief judge's nominations are approved by the commissioners of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Boards of inquiry are the final stage in the human rights complaint process. They are independent, public hearings into complaints of discrimination. Interviews for the member roster began recently.

Note: Following are short biographies of the selection committee members.

Kenneth L. Ozmon, O.C., PH.D. Dr. Ozmon is president emeritus, Saint Mary's University, and director and chairman of Optipress Inc., printing and publishing business, operating in 12 locations throughout the Atlantic provinces and New England. A highly respected scholar and university administrator, he recently competed his fourth term as president of Saint Mary's University. Dr. Ozmon is a past chair of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (1990-96) and among his many achievements was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (1998).

Daurene E. Lewis, DTSN, MBA, DhumL Dr. Lewis is currently principal of both Halifax campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College. Dr. Lewis has 30 years of experience in health care and business. In 1984, she was elected mayor of Annapolis Royal, becoming the first black female mayor in North America. Dr. Lewis has served on countless national and provincial boards and was recently named to the Order of Canada (2003).

Philip Girard, B.A, LL.B., LL.M, Ph.D Dr. Girard is currently the associate dean, graduate studies and research at Dalhousie Law School. He has written numerous publications on the field of human rights, family law and policy, and legal history. Dr. Girard served on the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission's board of inquiry member roster from 1992- 2003.

Daniel Paul, ONS Dr. Paul is well known for his writings and teachings on Mi'kmaq and other First Nations' histories. His work includes an award- winning book, We Were Not the Savages. He was the founding executive director of the Confederacy of Mainland Micmacs (1986- 1993) and held various positions with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. He currently writes a bi-weekly column for The Chronicle-Herald and often serves as a panelist or gives lectures on Mi'kmaq history. He was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia in 2002.

Srinivasen P. Pillay Mr. Pillay is a partner with McGinty McCleave. He practices in the areas of civil litigation, personal injury, property, immigration and commercial law. Mr. Pillay serves on the advisory committee on racism in the legal profession with the Canadian Bar Association, is the current chair of the provincial judicial appointments committee and a member of the development committee of the Halifax Grammar School.

Judy Hughes Ms. Hughes was born in Antigonish. She lived, attended school and worked in Pictou County, attending St. Francis Xavier University in 1969. She graduated with a joint honours degree in psychology and sociology and won the Paul Blizzard Award -- Junior of the Year for academic standing, campus and community involvement. In her local area, Ms. Hughes chaired a tri-county transition house, the Tearmann Society, for five years and has been on the board for 10 years. In November 1998, Ms. Hughes co-ordinated Pictou County Let Abilities Work, an employment placement agency for person's with disabilities and was the executive director of the Persons with Disabilities Partnership Society. In 2001 she chaired the sixth annual national conference on supported employment, held in Halifax. Ms. Hughes is serving as interim executive director of the Disabled Persons Commission while Charlie MacDonald is on secondment to the Department of Community Services.