Nov 10
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Aboriginal group protests end of SK rights tribunals
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix – November 16, 2010
Group protests end of rights tribunals
By James Wood
The Saskatchewan Party government’s plan to eliminate the province’s human rights tribunals will mean aboriginal people will lose access to a system to redress violations of their rights, the Aboriginal Affairs Coalition of Saskatchewan said Monday. The group said in a news release that the government’s plan for cases go to Court of Queen’s Bench rather than the tribunals will be too costly for many individuals who can’t afford lawyers and court fees.
But Justice Minister Don Morgan said the group is under a “misapprehension.” The government’s intent – outlined in its recent throne speech – is the system will work almost exactly the same for individuals, including cost. “The only difference will be is that they are going to be in front of a Court of Queen’s Bench judge rather than a tribunal member. So everything else will be exactly the same as it was.