Remembering a former Commissioner
On March 1, 2020, Richard (Dick) Rendek, Q.C. passed away at the age of 88. He was the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner from July 2002 to October 2003. He was remembered in the Legislative Assembly on March 5th, 2020.
As our office is a relatively new office, this is the first time we have had to remember a colleague who worked for the principles of access to information and protection of privacy. During his time, he furthered the principles enshrined in The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and The Health Information Protection Act.
We remember him for his contributions to these principles and his many contributions to our province.
Today the Speaker read the following message in the Legislative Assembly:
Members, I wish to advise the Assembly of the passing of a former officer of this Assembly.
Dick Rendek passed away on March 1, 2020. He served as the province’s freedom of information and privacy commissioner from 2002 to 2003.
During his tenure, Mr. Rendek recommended that the position of freedom of information and privacy commissioner become full time to meet the demand for investigations into privacy complaints and to ensure Crown corporations and agencies were adequately protecting private information. He was the first full time freedom of information and privacy commissioner. In his short term he was able to establish Saskatchewan’s first stand-alone information and privacy office that included two employees. Also during his tenure, he served on the selection committee to assist in hiring his successor.
In addition to being an officer of this Assembly, Mr. Rendek served his province in many capacities. Professionally, he had a distinguished legal career that span several decades and was the president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority.
Mr. Rendek contributed greatly to sport in this province and served as the Chair of the Inaugural Western Canada Summer Games. Mr. Rendek had a passion for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and he served as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders board of directors including as president from 1982 to 1984. In 1997, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in part for his contribution in securing the Saskatchewan bid for the 1995 Grey Cup.
I ask all members to join me in conveying the Assembly’s condolences to the bereaved family.