United Conservative Party leadership candidate Rajan Sawhney  took issue with the newly appointed  Chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and Tribunals Collin May after media reports alleged that Collin has previously made pejorative comments about Islam. “I have now read Mr. May’s 2009 review of “Islamic Imperialism: A History” by Efraim Karsh, 2006. His review summarizes and largely accepts the author’s interpretation of Islam which takes a highly controversial and negative view of the faith of tens or even hundreds of thousands of Albertans,” said Sawhney.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

CALGARY – United Conservative Party leadership candidate Rajan Sawhney  took issue with the newly appointed  Chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and Tribunals Collin May after media reports alleged that Collin has previously made pejorative comments about Islam.

“I have now read Mr. May’s 2009 review of “Islamic Imperialism: A History” by Efraim Karsh, 2006. His review summarizes and largely accepts the author’s interpretation of Islam which takes a highly controversial and negative view of the faith of tens or even hundreds of thousands of Albertans,” said Sawhney.

“These comments have created considerable and understandable hurt within the Muslim community, but also among all Albertans who value our pluralistic society. Additionally, it is a significant problem when the person who expressed those unacceptable views is responsible for adjudicating human rights issues.

“No person of Muslim faith would have confidence that they are being treated neutrally by the Human Rights Commission if the Chair has pre-existing and negative views of that person’s faith.”

Sawhney said the allegation of bias is also a reminder that the vetting of prospective candidates for sensitive and important jobs in government must be thorough. It brings disrepute to both the government and the Commission when scrutiny reveals a questionable decision. It is difficult to believe that the people reviewing this appointment did not find the published document containing such explosive remarks.

“Government representatives in sensitive positions must not only be qualified for their job but must have public confidence in their neutral and unbiased attitudes. In this case, Mr. May’s previous writings would make public confidence in his work more difficult,” Sawhney said.

“We do not judge people on media reports. However, an investigation into his appointment must be immediately undertaken.”