Christine Hanson Appointed New CEO of Human Rights Commission

A Halifax native, diplomat and international lawyer, is the new director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Christine Hanson, a Dalhousie University law graduate, and current Minister-Counsellor for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., will take over the role effective Feb. 8.

"I'm very pleased that someone of Ms. Hanson's impressive background, experience and dedication will be leading Nova Scotia's Human Rights Commission," said Diana Whalen, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission. "She will be a strong asset for the commission and a strong advocate for human rights in this province."

Ms. Hanson has held a variety of roles in the Legal Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including deputy director of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Division.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take on this important role in my home province," said Ms. Hanson. "I look forward to working closely with the commissioners and commission staff to protect and promote human rights in Nova Scotia."

In 2014, she was awarded the Building a Better World alumni award from Dalhousie University. She was also an International Women's Forum Global Leadership Foundation Fellow in 2014-15. She is married and has two daughters.

Ms. Hanson takes over from interim director and CEO, Michelle Higgins, a senior solicitor with the Department of Justice.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is an independent government commission that administers the province's Human Rights Act.