The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand today to congratulate Ms. Judy White on her recent appointment as Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.

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.

Ms. White is the first Indigenous woman appointed to the role of Chair of the Human Rights Commission. Currently residing in Conne River, Ms. White is a Mi’kmaq grandmother and member of the Flat Bay Band. She has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie Law School and specializes in Aboriginal Law. Ms. White has vast board and governance experience and has served many agencies in various capacities including; the National Centre for First Nations Governance, the First Nations Statistical Institute, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, and the Board of Regents of Memorial University.

Mr. Speaker, the Human Rights Commission ensures that each and every resident of Newfoundland and Labrador is afforded fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of their lives. Given Ms. White’s knowledge and experience, I am confident she will contribute significantly to the commission and our great province.

Thank you.