New Members for Human Rights Commission
Eleven individuals recently appointed to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will assume their new duties April 14. The new members of the commission were introduced today by Robbie Harrison, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act.
"We have some extremely talented and dedicated people who have consented to serve on this very important board," said Mr. Harrison. "Their background, professionalism and community activism will serve them well in their new role."
Chair James Dewar has been a member of the bar since 1977. He has extensive experience in mediation and conciliation, and has been active in a number of community organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Friends of Schizophrenics, and the Flower Cart in New Minas, which provides services to mentally challenged individuals. He is a member of the Atlantic Provinces Arbitration and Mediation Institute and has served as a trainer at the National Justice Institute in Alternate Dispute Resolution. He is also the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society representative on the Judicial Salary Tribunal.
Sister Dorothy Moore is a well-known community activist and has served previously on the Human Rights Commission. She has extensive administrative experience in the field of education and is currently serving as acting director of Mi'kmaq Services Education with the Department of Education and Culture.
Sheva Medjuck is a sociologist with extensive experience in the human rights field. She has served with the Canadian Jewish Congress, and is the director of research and international liaison officer and a professor of sociology and anthropology at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Cathy Moore has held various administrative positions in the non-profit sector and has worked extensively within the disabled community. She is currently serving as district manager of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
Louis Gannon has worked with the YMCA, has served on the race relations advisory committee for the P.E.I. government, and has worked with youth at risk. He is the executive director of the Better Business Bureau of Halifax.
Norbert Comeau, the only returning member of the commission, has been active in the Acadian community, serving on several boards and commissions. He is the principal of Ecole Stella Maris in Meteghan.
Charles Keagan is a former councillor in North Sydney and served as deputy mayor for three years. He is currently an employee of Marine Atlantic.
Vicki Brown has worked with the Halifax Regional School Board and served as chair for several years. She is a director of the Metro Food Bank and the director of the Shambhala Elementary School in Halifax.
Ted Morrison has served as a member of the Disabled Persons Commission and has held executive positions with a variety of community-based organizations. He currently works with the Cape Breton Regional School Board.
Sylvia Knox has been a volunteer advocate, working with a number of organizations in Lunenburg. She is currently employed as a school bus driver with the Southwest Regional School Board.
Kumar Umberoi is the former deputy mayor of Springhill. He is a past president of the Children's Aid Society in Cumberland County and worked in the community college system as a teacher and guidance counsellor for a number of years.
"These individuals are most capable of carrying on the work of the commission with integrity, respect and compassion," said Mr. Harrison. "Given the service they have provided to their communities in the past, I have every confidence in their ability to continue to work diligently to advance human rights in this province.
"I also want to sincerely thank those who have served on the commission over the past three years. Though they have chosen not to continue their roles, their contribution is deeply appreciated."