CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE

Over the past year, the Commission continued its work administering The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 while advancing important efforts to strengthen the effectiveness, accessibility, and responsiveness of Saskatchewan’s human rights system.

As Chief Commissioner, I have remained focused on a simple principle: the success of a human rights system should not be measured by the amount of activity it generates, but by its ability to provide fair, timely, and meaningful outcomes for the people it serves. This principle has guided our work throughout the year.

The Commission has continued to examine its processes, strengthen opportunities for early resolution, expand preventative education, and ensure resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. Our goal is not simply to move files through a system, but to help resolve issues at the earliest appropriate stage while preserving fairness, independence, and public confidence in the process.

While complaint resolution remains a core function of the Commission, our statutory mandate also includes public education, stakeholder engagement, systemic initiatives, and supporting greater understanding of rights and responsibilities under the Code. Through this work, we seek to identify and address barriers, promote compliance, and help prevent disputes before they arise.

This year reinforced the importance of maintaining a human rights system that is both accessible and accountable. The Commission has a responsibility to ensure concerns are assessed fairly and public resources are used responsibly. As Chief Commissioner, I also carry specific statutory decision-making responsibilities under the Code, requiring decisions to be independently made and grounded in evidence, legislation, and established legal principles. Maintaining that balance is essential to preserving public confidence and ensuring the Commission remains focused on its statutory mandate.

As an independent statutory body, the Commission’s role is not to advocate for one side of a dispute, but to administer the Code fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness. Within this framework, the Chief Commissioner exercises a quasi-judicial role, carrying out the independent statutory responsibilities assigned by the Code while ensuring careful consideration of the interests and procedural rights of all parties.

Throughout the year, the Commission undertook important strategic planning and modernization initiatives designed to strengthen service delivery, improve accountability, and support the effective administration of the Code into the future. The work highlighted throughout this report reflects the dedication of our Board of Commissioners, leadership team, and staff. Their professionalism and commitment to public service continue to strengthen the Commission’s ability to fulfill its mandate on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to continuous improvement, responsible stewardship of public resources, and ensuring that Saskatchewan’s human rights system remains accessible, effective, and focused on delivering fair and meaningful outcomes for the people of Saskatchewan.

Sincerely,

Treena L. Sikora, B.A. (Hons.), J.D.
Chief Commisssioner