Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro, file photo. (Image: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta justice minister asks for resignation of new human rights chief

Sep 13, 2022 | 4:27 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission is being asked to step down less than two months after coming into the role.

Groups such as the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) have raised concerns about comments made by Collin May in 2009.

In a review of Efraim Karsh’s book, Islamic Imperialism: A History, May called Islam intrinsically violent and “one of the most militaristic religions known to man.”

Following criticism by the NCCM, May said in a statement in July 2022 that he would commit to “meeting with leaders in Alberta’s Muslim community to learn more about their lived experiences in Alberta and to work towards overcoming discrimination against the Islamic community.”

NCCM Alberta Advocacy Officer Said Omar sent a letter to Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro, which was signed by over two dozen Muslim organizations and mosques in the province. It stated that these meetings never happened.

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A spokesperson with the Alberta Ministry of Justice told LNN in a statement that, after reviewing the NCCM’s concerns, Shandro asked for an explanation from May.

“After reviewing the explanation, Minister Shandro has asked for Mr. May’s resignation,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Justice.

Omar says he appreciates Shandro’s decision.

“Alberta’s Muslim leaders extended a hand towards Mr. May when he committed to dialogue, but we were greatly disappointed by Mr. May’s actions,” says Omar. “We can’t have the normalization of Islamophobia and racism in human rights work.”

As of the time of publication, May had not submitted a notice of resignation.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now