TORONTO - The Liberal government has named a lawyer and social activist as interim chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

The appointment of Ruth Goba, effective Feb. 28, will end May 27 -- unless a permanent commissioner is appointed before then.

Goba, who is currently a commissioner, takes over from Barbara Hall, who's headed the commission for the past decade.

Among other things, the commission works to end discrimination and to promote human rights in Ontario.