PQ backtracks, will support human rights commission nominee

TheParti Qubcoishas decided to backthe nomination of Quebec lawyer TamaraThermitus asthe new head of the province's human rights commission.

Thermitusis an award-winning expert in racial profiling and the fight against discrimination. If appointed, she willbe the first woman of colour to lead the organization.

Earlier today,PQ leaderJean-FranoisLisesaid his party would block her nomination. He has since confirmed to CBCthat they've reviewed the file and decided to support herinstead.

Justice Minister Stephanie Valle called her a perfect candidate.Thermitus worked as a negotiator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and won the Quebec BarPrixMritein 2011.

The combined support of the Liberals and PQ MNAs will make up the required two thirds support in theNational Assembly.

The Coalition Avenir Qubec hasn't saidwhether it supports the nomination, and Qubec Solidaire has come out against it. The latter is voting against allnominations so farto protest a process which they feel ispartisan.

Thermitus told CBC she could not comment out of respect for the process.