CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE
It is a privilege to present the 2023-24 annual report, my first as Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. This report is a snapshot of the actions and accomplishments of the Commission during the past fiscal year.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to former Interim Chief Commissioner Barry Wilcox, as well as to former Commissioners Colleen Cameron, Fatima Coovidia, Jan Gitlin, Heather Kuttai, and Mike San Miguel for their years of dedication to the Commission and their service to the people of this province. I would also like to welcome our new Commissioners β Rish Malhotra, Judy Desjarlais, Melissa Ong, Darlene Cooper, Alan Thomarat, and Murabik Syed. I look forward to working together to advance, protect, and promote human rights in Saskatchewan.
A quick look at our annual statistics will show that 2023-24 was a busy year. With 522 individual complaints received, the Commission continued to assist individuals, businesses, and organizations in addressing allegations of discrimination and inequity. Along with resolving individual complaints, the Commission collaborated with communities and stakeholders across Saskatchewan to educate, raise awareness, and respond to human rights issues.
We remained active in addressing systemic discrimination through our many systemic initiatives. During this past fiscal year, the Commission released the report Saskatchewan Police Contact Interview Policy: A Human Rights Review in response to public concerns about discriminatory practices involving street checks. The Commission also released Equitable Education for Students with Reading Disabilities, a systemic investigation into the identification, treatment, and accommodation of students with reading disabilities.
Throughout the year, the Commission continued to use online platforms to help meet the obligations of its public education mandate. Through our Lunch and Learn series and other virtual events, the Commission was able to educate people about their fundamental human rights and the responsibilities those rights engender. Staff members also made frequent presentations on human rights matters to employers, employees, newcomers, universities, advocacy groups, and municipalities throughout the province. Topics of these public education presentations ranged from the duty to accommodate to racial discrimination and hate speech.
Human rights have a long and rich tradition in Saskatchewan, but we must remain diligent. I encourage everyone in the province β individuals, organizations, and governments β to learn about their rights, understand the corresponding responsibilities, and respect the rights and dignity of others.
Sincerely,
Treena Sikora
Chief Commisssioner