GATINEAU, January 31, 2019
Today, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, announced the appointments of Michèle Rivet as Vice-Chairperson and of Julie Jai as trustee to the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
This appointment was made under the Government of Canada's new approach to Governor in Council appointments. This approach supports open, transparent and merit-based selection processes that strive for gender parity and reflect Canada's diversity, to support ministers in making appointment recommendations for positions within their portfolio by providing them with information and referrals.
Michèle Rivet was a judge for 30 years. She founded and was appointed first President of the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal when it was first established in 1990 and remained in that position until 2010. Since then, she has been an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the Université de Sherbrooke. Ms. Rivet is also a museologist. In addition to the undergraduate studies she completed in the Faculty of Law at the Université de Montréal and the Diplôme d'études supérieures from the Université de Paris, Ms. Rivet also obtained a Master's degree in museology from the Université de Montréal. She received the Order of Canada in 2018.
Julie Jai is a legal and policy professional with recognized expertise in human rights and Charter of Rights and Freedoms issues, Indigenous law issues, and pensions and employment law. She is a public sector executive with experience in the governments of Canada, Ontario and Yukon, including work with First Nations. Ms. Jai is presently a part-time member of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. She graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Laws and from the University of Toronto with a Master of Laws.
"As Canadians, we can be proud of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights—the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. The extensive experience of these new appointees will support the museum in its mandate to enhance public understanding of human rights, promote respect for others, and encourage reflection and dialogue."
—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
Quick facts
National museum board trustees are appointed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage with the approval of the Governor in Council.
In 2016, the Government of Canada adopted a new approach to Governor-in-Council appointments. This approach uses an open, transparent and merit-based selection processes that result in the identification of high-quality candidates who truly reflect Canada's diversity.
The new approach requires a selection process for both full-time and part-time positions.
As they become available, all appointment opportunities within the 17 organizations in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio are posted on the Governor-in-Council Appointments website. Interested parties can apply online
National museums are independent organizations that are part of the Canadian Heritage portfolio. They are subject to the Museums Act of 1990.
