For Release 3:00 p.m. November 29, 2004

Mr. Kevin Fenwick Appointed Provincial Ombudsman

The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan today passed a motion recommending the appointment of Mr. Kevin Fenwick to the position of Provincial Ombudsman. Mr. Fenwick began work in an acting capacity on October 1, 2004 and now takes office officially as the Ombudsman for the Province.

Mr. Fenwick worked with Saskatchewan Justice as a Mediator and Dispute Resolution Consultant since 1991, gaining a broad range of experience as a practitioner and trainer in various models of mediation, conciliation, facilitated communication and other non-adversarial processes. He received his law degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has been a practicing lawyer in Saskatchewan since 1981, including a 14-year general practice in Melville. He earned respect as Chairperson of a significant administrative tribunal, the Farm Tenure Arbitration Board, from 1992 – 2003. He has been a lecturer at both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, an instructor for SIAST, a trainer at the Dispute Resolution Office and a presenter at various professional bodies. He has extensive community and professional involvement, including work with First Nations individuals and organizations. He is a skilled writer and presenter. In demand as a mediator, he is recognized for his strong interpersonal and communication skills and for his central belief in the importance of respectful processes.

As the new Saskatchewan Ombudsman, Mr. Fenwick’s role is to help ensure that government administrative practices are fair. He and his staff can investigate complaints against government departments, agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations. If someone has been treated unfairly, he can recommend to the government that changes be made. Mr. Fenwick plans to promote fairness and educate the public about the role of the Ombudsman. He says, “Sometimes when people are dealing with the government, they may feel that they have no course of appeal. We want people to know that we are there as an impartial third party to help sort out what is fair.”

Mr. Fenwick would also like to increase understanding between government offices and the people they serve. “When we get complainants and government employees together in a neutral meeting place, they may come to understand each other better and explore solutions together. I applaud the work the office has already undertaken in this direction and look forward to seeing it grow. I think we can also have an expanded role in establishing fair and inclusive problem-solving processes within government, rather than just solving individual problems.”

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For more information contact:

Leila Dueck

Director of Communications

Ombudsman Saskatchewan

Phone: 306-787-7369

e-mail: ldueck@ombudsman.sk.ca