Feds Say ‘Oversight’ in Vetting Caused Human Rights Commissioner’s Israel Comments to Be Missed Before Appointment

Ottawa says it conducted an incomplete background check on its newly appointed human rights commissioner, whose past activities have been criticized by Jewish advocates. Justice Minister Arif Virani announced on June 14 the appointment of Birju Dattani to head the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Shortly after, some of Mr. Dattani’s previous comments and activities surfaced, such as speaking on a panel alongside a member of the recently-banned Hizb ut-Tahrir group in the UK, and accusing Israel of apartheid. Some of his material was published under the name “Mujahid Dattani.” “Mujahid” is an Arabic term for someone engaged in Islamic struggle or “jihad” on behalf of God or religion, and can also serve as a given name....