The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) held a public education and engagement session this week in Humboldt, highlighting the province’s changing demographics and how these shifts are influencing human rights concerns and systemic policy development.
Robin Mowat, Director of Systemic Initiatives for the SHRC, led the session on Wednesday evening. The public event, held following a noon hour luncheon with members of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce, focused on the Commission’s role, current challenges in human rights, and the growing need for community input across Saskatchewan.
Shifting Demographics and New Realities
Over the last 25 years, Saskatchewan has seen a significant increase in diversity, largely due to immigration. In particular, Humboldt has experienced notable growth in its newcomer population—a trend echoed across the province.
“The Saskatchewan of today looks very different from the province it was a few decades ago,” said Mowat. “Rising immigration, a growing Indigenous population, and rapid technological changes have all transformed the environment in which human rights issues play out.”
Citing Statistics Canada, Mowat noted that approximately 14% of Saskatchewan’s population is now considered a visible minority, a figure that climbs in urban centres.
Disability Complaints on the Rise
Mowat presented data showing a marked increase in disability-related complaints received by the Commission, a trend attributed in part to increased awareness and evolving definitions of disability.
“Over the past two decades, the number of complaints related to disability has grown dramatically,” he explained. “This reflects broader awareness, yes, but also real changes in how our systems and workplaces are expected to accommodate people.”
From Tribunal to Court: A Systemic Shift
Another major development Mowat discussed was the 2011 legislative change that eliminated the Saskatchewan Human Rights Tribunal. Now, unresolved cases proceed directly to the Court of King’s Bench—a shift that has added complexity and length to the process.
“Since the tribunal was dissolved, the stakes are higher and the process more formal. That’s part of why community engagement is more important than ever—we need to make sure our policies respond to the real experiences of people across Saskatchewan,” said Mowat.
Defining and Addressing Discrimination
The session included a primer on the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination based on 15 protected characteristics, including race, gender, age, disability, and gender identity.
“Human rights law isn’t just about intent—it’s about outcomes,” Mowat stressed.
“Sometimes discrimination is overt, but often it’s the result of policies or behaviours that unintentionally exclude or disadvantage people.”
He clarified that the Code applies primarily to public areas such as employment, housing, education, and access to services. Private opinions or interpersonal issues, while potentially harmful, often fall outside its jurisdiction.
A Focus on Resolution
Despite perceptions of a legal-heavy process, Mowat emphasized that the SHRC’s primary goal is resolution, not litigation.
“Most of the complaints we accept are resolved through mediation. Our aim is always to foster understanding and change—getting people in the same room to talk things through, learn from one another, and, where possible, move forward.”
Mowat added that only a small fraction of cases proceed to court, and even those are subject to pretrial reconciliation efforts.
Encouraging Local Voices
The Commission is currently collecting community feedback through in-person meetings like the one held in Humboldt, as well as through online surveys. This input, Mowat said, helps guide future outreach, education, and even policy development.
“We want to know what’s happening in Humboldt and in every corner of the province. The human rights system only works if it reflects the realities people are living.”
The session concluded with an open invitation for residents to reach out with concerns or questions—whether in person or online.
“Human rights are not abstract,” Mowat concluded. “They’re about everyday interactions, and everyone has a role in shaping a more fair and inclusive Saskatchewan.”
Continued Outreach
The visit to Humboldt is part of a province wide outreach campaign to connect the work of the Commission to people in their communities.
“This work that's brought us to Humboldt this week is really a great opportunity for us to connect with the people in this part of rural Saskatchewan to provide them with an opportunity to learn about what the Commission does and learn about human rights that they all have and enjoy. It also explains how they can take action to make sure that that they're being treated properly in their place of employment or in their school and in such places.”