- January 29, 2024
Statement from Interim Chief Commissioner Barry Wilcox, K.C.
I am stepping down as Interim Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, effective January 31, 2024. I have been with the Commission since 2011, and in that time I’ve developed a deep interest and appreciation for the people of Saskatchewan. Our province is populated by highly diverse, inherently principled, well-meaning, and hard-working people […]
Read More - October 19, 2023
SHRC Interim Chief Commissioner Wilcox statement on the resignation of Heather Kuttai
It is very unfortunate that Heather Kuttai has felt it necessary to resign from the Commission, but I understand and have great respect for her decision. It takes true strength and determination to take such definitive action. I have worked with Heather at the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for the last nine years and during […]
Read More - September 8, 2023
Policy – Use of Preferred First Name and Pronouns by Students
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has become aware of stakeholder concerns regarding the recent policy of the Ministry of Education entitled “The Use of Preferred First Name and Pronouns by Students.” The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 prohibits discrimination and harassment based on gender identity. Freedom of expression is also protected under the provisions of […]
Read More - July 5, 2023
Standing up and speaking out in support of the LGBTQ2S+ community
On June 28, 2023, a professor in the Gender Studies and Social Justice department at the University of Waterloo was attacked and stabbed, along with two students, by a 24-year-old former student. The former student has been arrested and charged in what the Waterloo Regional Police Service is calling a “hate-motivated incident related to gender […]
Read More - September 7, 2022
Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission stands with James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon
As the people of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon mourn the loss of family members, friends, and neighbours, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission stands with those communities during this difficult time. The suffering is profound and far-reaching. James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon do not exist in isolation. They are communities that are interconnected […]
Read More - June 25, 2021
CANADA NEEDS STRONG, BALANCED REGULATION TO ELIMINATE ONLINE HATE SPEECH
Words matter. They have the power to shame, blame, and inflame. Far too often online hate speech leads to real-world hate crimes. In order to prevent this from happening, online hate needs to be eliminated. Hate speech is not protected speech and has no value. It is narrowly defined. It is specific, malicious, targeted, and […]
Read More - June 24, 2021
Tragic Residential School Discovery in Saskatchewan Requires a Renewed Commitment to Reconciliation
Today’s announcement that 751 unmarked graves have been found at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan is a tragic reminder of the pain experienced by Indigenous children and their families. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission stands with the Cowessess First Nation, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and all Indigenous […]
Read More - June 8, 2021
Islamophobia: Constructive Action is Required
On June 6, 2021, five family members were purposely run down by a man driving a pickup truck. They were out for an evening walk, waiting to cross a street in London, Ontario. Four members of the family were murdered while the other, a child, was seriously injured. The perpetrator of this violent act has […]
Read More - June 1, 2021
Statement by Chief Commissioner on the Discovery of the Remains of 215 Indigenous Children at Residential School Site in Kamloops
The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, Indigenous communities throughout Canada, residential school survivors, their families and communities are mourning the loss of 215 children whose remains were recently found on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission joins all those who mourn this deeply upsetting and profoundly saddening […]
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