Changes are being made to the naming policy for government buildings and geographic features in the province. The changes are the result of recommendations made by Dr. Gordon Barnhart, following his review of the policy on behalf of the Ministries of Central Services and Parks, Culture and Sport.
Dr. Barnhart's recommendations will modernize the naming system and ensure names are chosen in a consistent, transparent and fair manner.
One of the key recommendations is revising the policy so that living persons are eligible for consideration. Previously, only people who had been deceased for at least five years could be honoured by having a building or geographic feature named after them.
Other recommendations in the report include:
Appointing a permanent naming policy committee.
Undertaking more publicity and education campaigns to inform the public and to solicit nominations.
Excluding the Legislative Building, Government House and courthouses from being named after a person.
Existing names for buildings and geographic features are not to be removed, unless that person is found to have committed a grievous crime or immoral act.
Consider naming buildings after those who have received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit or the Order of Canada, and that First Nations leaders and leaders in fields other than government be recognized.
Ensuring every former Premier, including North West Territories Premier, Frederick Haultain, is honoured.
A campaign will be undertaken in the near future to inform the public how to nominate worthy individuals for consideration under the naming policy.
