Released on June 6, 2019
Today, Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding announced that William Vancise will be taking over the ongoing inquiry into the Northern Village of Pinehouse.“I would like to thank Justice Robertson for the work he has done, and I am pleased to appoint Mr. Vancise to continue this important task,” Kaeding said. “We await the results of the inquiry, which we intend to make public after we have the opportunity to review the final report.”
Vancise graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Law in 1960. His career then led to working and becoming a senior partner with the Balfour Law Firm until 1982, an appointment to the Court of Queen’s Bench in 1983, an appointment to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal that same year and until his retirement in 2013.
Concurrently, Vancise also chaired the Copyright Board from 1984 to 2014.
In December 2018, Neil Robertson was tasked with leading the inquiry into the northern community. This was following numerous citations from the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner regarding the community’s failure to respond to freedom of information requests.
After an initial report in March 2019, the inspection was expanded to an official inquiry. Robertson was required to step aside from his duties in May 2019 after being federally appointed to the Court of Queen's Bench.
A municipal supervisor was also appointed to the community in order to provide guidance and support to the local council. A special audit of the community’s finances is also being planned.
Related previous announcements:
Government Expands the Scope of Pinehouse inspection: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2019/march/28/pinehouse-inspection
Minister Orders Inspection of Northern Village of Pinehouse: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2018/december/10/pinehouse-inspection
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For more information, contact:
Jay Teneycke
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca