The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. Smita Joshi has been appointed as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, effective April 19, 2024. The Honourable John Hogan, K.C., former Minister of Justice and Public Safety, acknowledged the appointment on June 3, 2024.
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. The Commission also provides information and assists individuals, groups, organizations and governments, on matters related to human rights.
To learn more about the Human Rights Commission, visit: www.thinkhumanrights.ca.
Quote
“My goal over the next five years is to establish partnerships at federal, provincial and local levels; ensure timely responses to human rights complaints; and ensure the office has adequate resources to do their important work.”
Dr. Smita Joshi
Chairperson
Human Rights Commission
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BACKGROUNDER
Biography of Dr. Smita Joshi
Dr. Smita Joshi, a Newfoundlander by choice, arrived from Kenya with her family in 1968 and continues to call Newfoundland and Labrador her home. She is proud of her educational roots as a graduate of Holy Heart High School, and receiving her BA, B.Ed., and M. Ed degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dr. Joshi also holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Toronto.
A dedicated civil servant with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Joshi has worked for over 38 years and has held various leadership positions with the Department of Education and the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism. She was instrumental in drafting the current policy on multiculturalism for the province. Nationally, and provincially, Dr. Joshi is known for her work as a curriculum developer and her contributions to human rights, enterprise and multicultural education in our K-12 school system.
Dr. Joshi is the founding member and was first President of the Multicultural Women’s Organization of Newfoundland & Labrador, an organization where women from diverse immigrant backgrounds are empowered to achieve their goals of advancing towards equality and becoming contributing members of Canadian society. Dr. Joshi believes in partnerships and volunteerism and currently serves on various federal, provincial, and City of St. John’s committees.
Her passion is to promote literacy, empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding while balancing human rights with responsibilities, has been exemplary. She has been actively involved as a commissioner with the Human Rights Commission since 2012 and continues to patiently work to promote its mandate.