The Toronto Star
Probe of refugee board is sought
Maureen Murray
Jewish Congress wants full look
at racism charges
DIVERSITY REPORTER
The Canadian Jewish Congress is calling for a full and independent inquiry of the Immigration and Refugee Board, saying a probe already under way doesn't go far enough.
Congress president Moshe Ronen said a cloud of suspicion is hanging over the refugee board after former and current members have come forward accusing some "bad apples" of holding anti-Semitic, homophobic and intolerant sentiments.
"The allegations are serious enough and warrant a full investigation," Ronen said.
"If anyone thinks these allegations are just going to be swept under the rug, they're mistaken," he added.
The congress's demands come just days after refugee board chairperson Nurjehan Mawani appointed lawyer David Scott to probe an incident involving deputy chair John Frecker saying "seig heil" or similar words evoking a Nazi-era greeting.
Frecker has apologized to the board member who filed a formal complaint.
The investigation called by Mawani is much too narrow because it deals only with the Frecker incident, Ronen said.
Paul Hardy, spokesperson for the refugee board, said Mawani was unaware of the congress demand for a public inquiry.
"We'll have to wait until we see exactly what they're asking for," Hardy said.
Ronen said publicity over Frecker's Nazi remark has led to several current members of the refugee board calling the Jewish Congress's offices in Toronto and Montreal to complain of other allegations of racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic sentiments.
The refugee board has about 200 members across Canada who are all appointed by the federal government for a set term.
Ronen argued that an inquiry is essential to maintain the integrity of the board.
"This (the refugee board) is a quasi-judicial body that should be sparkling clean on the issue of racism," Ronen said.
Category: News
Edition: 1
Length: Short, 251 words
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