SYSTEMIC INITIATIVES
EQUITABLE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH READING DISABILITIES REPORT
In 2020, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission received a group complaint on behalf of 29 families, all with children who have been professionally diagnosed with dyslexia. The families alleged that eight school divisions across Saskatchewan discriminated against their children on the basis of disability (dyslexia and other disabilities).
In agreement with the parents, the Commission pursued the matter using our systemic approach, which allows for a broader view of the issues and a wider range of options for resolution. This process consisted of interviews, surveys, public and professional feedback, formal research and report writing.
In September 2023, the Commission released Equitable Education for Students with Reading Disabilities in Saskatchewanâs K to 12 Schools: A Systemic Investigation Report. The report emphasizes the need for an early universal screening strategy; individualized reading interventions; professional assessments; accommodation for all students; and, curriculum and reading instruction pedagogy in line with the latest scientific research.
In 2024, the Commission organized an Equitable Education Working Group to build consensus around ways to address the issues raised in the report. The Working Group included participants from a wide variety of stakeholders, including representatives from school divisions, teachers, the Ministry of Education, parents, advocacy groups and others. This work continues.
Next Steps
The Commission will continue to promote the report and build awareness around the challenges facing students with reading disabilities.
PROVINCIAL ENGAGEMENT
During the 2024â25 fiscal year, the Commissionâs Systemic Initiatives department laid the groundwork for a substantial outreach effort to strengthen human rights across Saskatchewan. The team designed a strategy to bring the Commissionâs work directly into communities in 2025â26 through a series of in-person engagements with residents, stakeholders, organizations, and businesses.
A central goal of the strategy is to ensure human rights protections reflect the voices and lived experiences of people across the province. To support this, the team developed a framework for meaningful, community-and-stakeholder-based dialogue focused on listening, collaboration, and empowerment.
The strategy will begin with visits to communities such as Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, and Humboldt early in the next fiscal year, with plans to expand to northern and southern regions later on. These visits are designed to establish collaborative relationships with stakeholders and create space for people to share concerns, identify barriers, and propose solutions to strengthen inclusion and equity in Saskatchewan.
This province-wide approach supports the Commissionâs mandate to provide human rights education and promote systemic change in Saskatchewan. By directly engaging with communities, the Commission seeks to shape initiatives and policies grounded in real-world needs and perspectives.
Addressing Workplace Discrimination
Another key focus of the Commissionâs engagement strategy is addressing discrimination in employment. During 2024â25, the Commission reviewed complaint trends and used that data to shape a targeted outreach approach for the upcoming year.
Employment remains the most common area of complaint. In 2024â25, of the 120 complaints accepted by the Commission, 82.5% occurred in the workplace while 10% occurred in the Code-protected area of public services. The most frequently cited ground was disability, which accounted for 60% of all accepted complaints. Other significant grounds included sex (41%), age (11%), and race-related grounds (30%).
In response, the Systemic Initiatives team developed a strategy that prioritizes outreach to Saskatchewanâs business community for 2025â26.
This is a proactive approach that aims to prevent discrimination before it occurs by providing employers with information they need to foster inclusive, Code-compliant workplaces. It also encourages employers to understand not only their own rights and responsibilities under the Code, but those of their employees â encouraging a more informed and respectful work environment.
SYSTEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Several multi-stakeholder systemic initiatives continued during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Disability Services Alliance
The Commission continues to support the efforts of the Disability Service Alliance (DSA) in its efforts to address the needs of people with disabilities living in Northern Saskatchewan.
DSA members include the Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Diabetes Canada, Inclusion Saskatchewan, MĂ©tis National of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities, the Commission, Spinal Cord Injury of Saskatchewan, and Vision Loss Rehabilitation Saskatchewan.
The DSA continues to engage in research that captures the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Based on this research, as well as input from key stakeholders, the DSA has created a proposal requesting resources from the Government of Saskatchewan that would help provide better supports for people with disabilities in Northern Saskatchewan.
Healthy Campus Saskatchewan
Since 2021, the Commission has been a community partner with Healthy Campus Saskatchewan â a cooperative effort among 19 post-secondary institutions in the province focused on improving the student experience.
Healthy Campus Saskatchewan supports the well-being and mental health of students through information sharing, research, and implementing practices that enhance and expand on well-established equity and accommodation services.
The stakeholder institutions and community partners work together to create new tools, resources, and learning opportunities for students. This includes awareness and prevention strategies that respond to suicide, sexual violence, and substance use.
Healthy Campus Saskatchewanâs vision is healthy and resilient campus communities where students have the knowledge, tools, and resources they need for mental health and wellness and academic/career success.