News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Phylomène Zangio has been appointed chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for a two-year term, effective today. She replaces Claire Roussel-Sullivan, who has chaired the commission since 2020.

Since immigrating to New Brunswick from the Democratic Republic of the Congo over 30 years ago, Zangio has been an advocate for the rights of women and minorities. She was the first co-president of the New Brunswick Women’s Council and the founder of the New Brunswick Provincial Council of People of African Descent. She has also served on several boards and committees such as the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area.

Noted for her community involvement, especially regarding the professional and social inclusion of newcomers, Zangio was named one of the Top 25 Immigrants in the Maritimes in 2018. She was also the recipient of the Black Excellence Award in 2015 and 2016 for excellence in leadership and influence. She is currently a member of the New Brunswick Judicial Council.

“Having been a member of the Human Rights Commission since 2022 has given me a unique perspective on the commission’s role and I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors as the next chair,” said Zangio. “The context of human rights is constantly evolving, adapting to meet the changes in society, and I am proud to be a part of the commission at this moment in history.”

The commission’s director, Marc-Alain Mallet, is also retiring after eight years in this role. He is being replaced by Megan Griffith who has overseen the commission’s Registrar Office since 2020.