Judge David Arnot, chief commissioner for the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, spoke at the P.A. and District Chamber of Commerce event Thursday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Rights and Responsibilities

P.A. chamber hosts talk on human rights

Feb 27, 2020 | 4:21 PM

Business and community leaders learned about human rights legislation and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Thursday afternoon.

Judge David Arnot, chief commissioner for the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, spoke to a group of around 30 people about the law and the work his organization does at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club.

The event was organized by administrators of the P.A. and District Chamber of Commerce as part of their 2020 luncheon series.

Arnot said he was happy to be invited to speak and said organizers did well by bringing everyone together.

“It’s community leaders, political leaders, policy makers, people in the community coming together to see if they can help make this a better community,” he said.

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Many from the business community attending, including Mayor Greg Dionne, Coun. Don Cody, P.A. Northcote MLA Nicole Rancourt and provincial opposition leader Ryan Meili.

Roughly 30 people attended the discussion hosted by Judge David Artnot at the P.A. Golf and Curling Club on Thursday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

While talking to attendees, Arnot spoke of what rights and responsibilities everyone is entitled to, and how the human rights commission has evolved. He said proactive response to address issues before complaints is needed as the commission continues its work.

“I think in the future we’re going to focus a lot more on systemic advocacy and education,” he said.

Arnot explained when it comes to dispute resolution, his organization works to keep cases out of the court system when possible. He said certain processes, including mediation, can be just as effective to resolve complaints.

“It gives you a lot more range of options to explore to see if you can resolve the complaint,” he said.

Chamber CEO Elise Hildebrandt said she enjoyed the discussion as it was their first time hosting the commission.

“If it was very informative and educational,” she said.

Specifically, Hildebrandt said it is important people know about their rights and responsibilities. She added it was nice to see so many people turn out for the lunch and thinks it will have a positive effect.

“It’ll definitely start some conversations,” she said.

(Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn