CANADA
Two senior members of the Saskatchewan Public Service who were at the centre of the Canadian Province’s response to a protest in front of the Legislative Building have been transferred to new roles.
Former Deputy Minister (Secretary) of Central Services, Richard Murray is now Deputy Minister of Labour Relations and Work Place Safety.
His move was described as “housekeeping” by the Premier’s Office.
Former Executive Director of the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC), Carrie Ross has “pursued a position and has accepted one within the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport”, the Premier’s Office said.
Both had been central figures in the continuing protest over the Justice for Our Stolen Children camp located outside the Legislative Building in the provincial capital, Regina.
The campers, who now have several teepees located on the lawns across from the Legislative Building, have brought forward issues related to the number of Indigenous children in the care of social services, as well as other grievances.
Mr Murray told reporters in early June that it was time for the protest to end and that an eviction order to ensure that happened had been issued.
Most of the camp was removed by PCC employees, but within a few days more teepees were put up. The Chief of Police in Regina then declined to remove the camp, in part because it was not a risk to public safety.
Ms Ross put out a statement criticising the police saying the PCC had on “three separate occasions … officially requested that the Regina Police Service enforce the law and remove the structures”.
“We have by-laws and permits in place to ensure Wascana Park is available for everyone to use in a safe manner, and we are again asking the Regina Police Service to enforce the law,” Ms Ross wrote.
Regina, 1 September, 2018
