NEW LEGISLATION WILL ENHANCE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that The Ombudsman Act, 2012 and The Advocate for Children and Youth Act will take effect September 1, 2012.

"This has been a great opportunity to work with the Ombudsman and the Children's Advocate to identify improvements to their legislation," Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. "Their new powers will assist them in resolving concerns brought to them by Saskatchewan residents in a simpler, quicker and more collaborative manner."

The Advocate for Children and Youth Act maintains all existing powers of the Children's Advocate and better defines the position's powers and duties. This includes furthering the distinction between ‘children' and ‘youth,' allowing the Advocate to conduct research into children's rights, and clarifying the requirement for children and youth to be given information about the services of the Advocate.

"Achieving this stand alone legislation is a significant milestone in our maturation as an independent office that coincides with our 18th Anniversary this fall," Children's Advocate Bob Pringle said. "We are eager to celebrate this development and look forward to realizing the expanded responsibilities found in this new Act."

The Ombudsman Act, 2012 maintains all existing powers of the Ombudsman and better defines the position's powers and duties.

"The Act takes several steps forward," Ombudsman Kevin Fenwick said. "Our health jurisdiction now includes certain affiliates such as special care homes. Also, the ability to review matters at the invitation of non-jurisdictional agencies puts the Act at the leading edge of ombudsman legislation in Canada."

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For more information, contact:

Noel Busse
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca