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 Canada's Rights and Democracy agency in 'crisis,' federation warns
New appointment drawing criticism
OTTAWA–An international human rights group is blasting "political interference" in Montreal's Rights and Democracy, saying the agency's bitter battles are hurting Canada's international credibility.
In a sharply worded letter, the International Federation for Human Rights points the finger at Stephen Harper's Conservatives for fuelling a "crisis" it says is undermining the work and reputation of the arm's-length, government-funded institution.
And the federation, representing 155 human rights groups worldwide, called on the Conservatives to reconsider their decision to appoint Gérard Latulippe as the agency's new president.
Latulippe does not have the "moral authority" to lead Rights and Democracy, given his past statements that Muslim immigrants risked undermining the cohesion of Quebec society, his opposition to gay marriage and his support for capital punishment, the federation said.
"Canada's credibility is at stake," the federation said.
"Thanks to its independence, this non-partisan organization has been able to effectively contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights around the world," it said in an open letter.
However, it says the year-long crisis "seriously affects its reputation and undermines its future."
Rights and Democracy has been battered by internal turmoil that has seen agency employees call for three board members to be replaced. But the Conservative government has stood by the board and earlier this week, three senior employees were fired on the grounds they led the staff rebellion.
With Parliament back in session, Liberal and New Democrat MPs plan to move ahead with a Commons committee investigation into the agency's woes.
Latulippe's appointment has not quelled the controversy. Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon chose Latulippe, a former colleague from Quebec Liberal politics who also ran for a federal seat with the Conservative Party's predecessor, the Canadian Alliance.
But his nomination drew sharp criticism from the three opposition leaders – in part because of his past political ties – and they appealed to Cannon to appoint a candidate without such close ties to the government. However, Cannon ignored those concerns and confirmed his appointment in a news release sent out Tuesday night.
(2010-03-07 / thestar.com)
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3/7：Canada's Rights and Democracy agency in 'crisis,' federation warns (thestar.com)