Media Releases

Welcome to “News Releases and Articles.”

Here you’ll be able to read news releases prepared by the Commission and link to
the Government of Saskatchewan Media Services for links to other news releases.

  • February 26, 2024
    SHRC Clarifies Role of Appointed Commissioners

    It has become clear that there are misconceptions about the work of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, including the role and activities of the appointed Commissioners. First created in 1972, the Commission’s role is to forward the principle that every person is free and equal in dignity and rights. The Commission has always operated independently […]

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  • January 29, 2024
    SHRC Interim Chief Commissioner stepping down

    Interim Chief Commissioner, Barry Wilcox, K.C., is stepping down from his position with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission effective January 31, 2024. Wilcox was called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1981. Following that, he practiced law in Prince Albert. In 2011, Wilcox was appointed to the Commission and later was promoted to the role of […]

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  • January 29, 2024
    SHRC welcomes new appointments

    The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission would like to extend a warm welcome to new Chief Commissioner Treena Sikora, Deputy Chief Commissioner Rish Malhotra, and Commissioners Judy Desjarlais, Darlene Cooper, Melissa Ong, Murabik Syed, and Alan Thomarat. The new appointments replace Interim Chief Commissioner Barry Wilcox, K.C., who will be stepping down effective January 31, 2024, […]

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  • December 1, 2023
    Jan Gitlin steps down as Saskatchewan Human Rights Commissioner

    Long time Commissioner, Jan Gitlin, will be stepping down from her position with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission effective immediately. “In her role as Commissioner, Jan always offered fair and considered opinions on human rights issues and her perspective has always been of great value,” said SHRC Interim Chief Commissioner Barry Wilcox, K.C. “She is […]

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  • October 19, 2023
    SHRC releases statement on Bill 137

    It is disappointing that the Government of Saskatchewan has tabled legislation – Bill 137, the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” – that invokes Section 52 of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018. The bill mandates teachers to notify parents in cases where students request a change in the use of personal pronouns or names in the […]

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  • September 21, 2023
    SHRC releases Equitable Education for Students with Reading Disabilities report

    The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission released a summary report today on issues affecting students with reading disabilities in Saskatchewan. The report, “Equitable Education for Students with Reading Disabilities,” is intended to be part of a longer-term systemic initiative. In 2020, the Commission received a group complaint on behalf of 29 families, all with children who […]

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