Judy White, Q.C., has been appointed as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, effective immediately. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety announced the appointment today.

Ms. White is the first Indigenous woman appointed to the role. The appointment was made through the merit-based appointment process established by the Independent Appointments Commission Act. Ms. White’s biography can be found in the backgrounder below.

Established in 1971, the Human Rights Commission is responsible for investigating written complaints of alleged violations of the Human Rights Act, promoting the act, conducting education and research designed to eliminate discriminatory conduct, and advising and helping individuals, groups, organizations and governments on matters related to human rights.

Quotes
“The Human Rights Commission plays an important role in our society, ensuring that each and every resident of Newfoundland and Labrador be afforded fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of life. Ms. White brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and I’m confident she will contribute significantly to the Human Rights Commission.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“I am very excited and feel quite privileged to step into this important role. I look forward to working with the staff and executive of the Human Rights Commission to continue the advancement of human rights and its advocacy in this province.”
Judy White
Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission

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Media contacts
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

Judy White, Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-2709
humanrights@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Judy White, QC
Judy White, QC, is a Mi’kmaq grandmother and member of the Flat Bay Band. She currently resides in Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. White completed a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie Law School with particular emphasis upon Aboriginal Law. She also completed the Intensive Program of Lands, Resources and First Nations Government at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ms. White has recently completed the Leading Peoples and Investing in Sustaining Communities, an Indigenous certificate program at Harvard Business School. Ms. White has completed the Chartered Directors Program at McMaster University. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Assembly of First Nations and a partner with the law firm of McDonald White located at Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador, specializing in aboriginal law. She has served as the Self Government Advisor for Miawpukek First Nation. Ms. White has served as a Policy and Planning Specialist for Women’s Policy Office on Aboriginal women’s issues. She has vast board and governance experience and has served many agencies and in various capacities including the National Centre for First Nations Governance, the First Nations Statistical Institute, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Board of Regents of Memorial University. Ms. White is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous and Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.