Isha Khan to Head Canadian Museum for Human Rights

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Isha Khan

Winnipeg human rights lawyer and advocate Isha Khan will be the new president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. 

The museum's chair, Pauline Rafferty, said the appointment is "a crucial and positive step" to rebuild trust in the museum's commitment to human rights following an independent review's finding of pervasive systemic racism in the workplace.

The five-year appointment, which commences on August 17, was announced Monday by Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault.

"Isha Khan has the personal and professional experience to lead the organization through the necessary changes that are now underway," Rafferty said. "Working closely with the CMHR board of trustees, she will ensure this important national museum meets the highest standards for inclusion, diversity and respect."

Khan's career has focused on issues of inclusion and equality. For almost a decade, she  was executive director and senior counsel with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Last October, she was appointed to coordinate a review of conditions for people incarcerated in federal penitentiaries.

She is the board chair of United Way Winnipeg, a member of the Law Society of Manitoba's Equity Committee and a founder of the Winnipeg chapter of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women.

"I am committed to leading the hard work ahead that will ensure the museum is a diverse and welcoming workplace for all its employees," Khan said.

She said she plans to take make changes informed by employees, stakeholders and the recommendations of the independent review commissioned after workplace complaints became public. The museum has released the review's interim report, which contains 44 recommendations for change.

Source: Canadian Museum for Human Rights