Jayda Noyes, Daily Herald
A born and raised Prince Albert lawyer is levelling up his career.
Barry Wilcox was officially announced deputy chief commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Tuesday morning.
Wilcox is a partner of Novus Law Group, where he joined chief commissioner David Arnot for the conference.
The deputy chief position was left vacant after Paul Favel was appointed to the federal court earlier this year.
“I’m very excited with regards to this new role,” said Wilcox.
He’s been a commissioner with the SHRC since 2011.
“Since that time he’s worked diligently to protect and promote human rights in this province. His commitment to equality and inclusion and basic concept of fairness is second to none,” said Arnot.
Wilcox volunteers for Lakeland Citizens on Patrol, the Neighbourhood Watch Program and Prince Albert Crime Stoppers.
He also chairs the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, supporting those with medical needs.
In addition to praising his drive for community and knowledge of law, Arnot said Wilcox is crucial in shifting the commission’s mandate.
Before switching to a focus on coming up with resolutions for every case, he explained they used to operate on an infraction-reaction prosecution model.
“He is an expert in mediation, which is the process that we use to settle most of the complaints in Saskatchewan,” added Arnot.
Mediation involves stepping into a dispute to resolve it.
Wilcox explained this shift in focus as a rebranding.
“We have expanded our mandate to include education and to have the younger citizens of our province exposed to not only their rights, but also their responsibilities. And as that moves forward, it will directly address issues such as bullying and racism,” he said.
He emphasized this model is being implemented worldwide.
Wilcox will continue to practice with Novus Law Group in addition to his new position.
