Former art gallery leader 'greatly relieved' human rights case stayed – Saskatoon StarPhoenix

The former leader of Saskatoon’s Remai Modern art gallery says he’s relieved that a complaint alleging he discriminated against a female employee has been stayed.

Former executive director and chief executive officer Gregory Burke, who left the gallery earlier this year, said in a three-part statement posted on his Twitter account Thursday that he has always supported gender equality.

“I am greatly relieved that a complaint against me, falsely alleging discrimination of a former employee on the basis of gender, has been stayed,” Burke’s statement read.

“I have been committed to exacting standards of professionalism throughout my career and have always supported gender equality, as any fair review of my work as a curator and museum director would reveal.”

In a Dec. 31 ruling, Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Brenda Hildebrandt ordered a stay of proceedings against Burke in a Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission investigation that began with a complaint in 2015.

The complaint also named the art gallery as a defendant. Current Remai Modern leadership declined to comment on the development on Thursday.

Burke’s statement quoted Hildebrandt’s decision that “there were no statements containing sexual content nor any overt acts of gender or sex-based discrimination alleged in the complaint.”

Burke announced in December 2018 that he was resigning from his position at the Remai Modern to take a similar job with the Auckland Art Gallery in his hometown in New Zealand.

Burke withdrew from the Auckland position earlier this year after CBC News published stories that revealed he was the subject of the human rights investigation. Burke’s Twitter post tagged several New Zealand news media outlets.

Burke’s statement pointed out that Hildebrandt criticized the human rights commission for the “inordinate delay” in the investigation and “abuse of process.”

Burke also noted Hildebrandt’s criticism of the complainant, who is not named in the ruling, for declining to participate in mediation and her slow response to requests and scheduling interviews.

The woman’s Saskatoon lawyer, John Beckman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The human rights commission is reviewing the decision.

Burke’s statement adds that “my time as the inaugural CEO of Remai Modern remains a career highlight, if not the highlight of my life.”

He hinted at a statement he released last spring in which he claimed city hall interference in gallery operations and an effort to get rid of him in spite of the gallery’s successful first year.

“Over the years, there has been concerted opposition, by some, to the vision and direction of the gallery as both a local and international destination,” Burke’s Thursday statement read.

“They have been irritated by its incredible success, which of course was driven by the extraordinary vision and philanthropy of Ellen Remai, the bold courage of community leaders and commitment from the citizens of Saskatoon.”

Burke’s Twitter post said he does not plan to comment further. His statement said he plans to resume his career this year.

Burke has moved to Toronto, where he has started a consulting business.

ptank@postmedia.com

twitter.com/thinktankSK

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