Stuart Murray named first director of human rights museum

WINNIPEG – A high-profile former Manitoba politician was named Tuesday as the first director of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Former Tory leader Stuart Murray, who led the provincial opposition for six years until 2006, was appointed the position after spending the last three years serving as president and CEO of Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation.

"With his proven track record in leadership, management, and fundraising, Mr. Murray brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the museum," Heritage Minister James Moore said in a news release Tuesday.

The Winnipeg-based museum – a Crown Corporation – is slated to open in 2012 and will be Canada’s fifth national museum.

The other national museums – the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the National Museum of Science and Technology – are all based in the Ottawa region.

The museum’s mission is to "enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, promote respect for others, and encourage reflection and dialogue on various human rights issues."

The late Israel Asper first raised the idea of a human rights museum in Winnipeg more than five years ago, shortly before he died. His daughter, Gail Asper, picked up the torch.