PCO says it didn't search new human rights chief's online aliases, blames 'administrative oversight'

The Privy Council Office (PCO) says it did not search the aliases Birju Dattani, the new head of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, used to make controversial social media posts.

A spokesperson for the PCO said in a statement to CBC News on Monday that «an administrative oversight resulted in the aliases not being searched by PCO.»

In June, Dattani was named the CHRC's chief commissioner, making him the first Muslim or racialized person to head the organization.

Shortly after his historic appointment, national Jewish organizations cited what they described as antisemitic social media posts made under the name «Mujahid Dattani» and a controversial appearance on a debate panel in the U.K.

As the secretariat serving the federal cabinet and the prime minister, the PCO is responsible for background checks for all Governor-in-Council appointments.

«The aliases were also not reviewed nor shared with security partners who conduct background checks,» a spokesperson for the PCO said. «After this oversight was discovered, PCO shared the aliases with its security partners who are now completing necessary reviews.»

The spokesperson added that the PCO would be reviewing its background check process in this case and that neither the existence of Dattani's aliases, nor any forms containing his aliases, were shared with the Prime Minister's Office or the justice minister's office.

«This is consistent with our usual practice in these types of appointments, which this incident has caused us to review,» the spokesperson said.

Justice Minister Arif Virani's spokesperson confirmed last week that Dattani disclosed an alias to «public servants as part of the security assessment of Mr. Dattani.» The minister's press secretary, Chantalle Aubertin,