I am pleased to provide my annual report at the end of another busy year for MARL. As in years past, I am reminded just how important organizations like MARL are to those who hold dear our fundamental human rights and civil liberties. This year, we focused our energy on a wide range of topics including the misuse of tasers, drug testing in schools, the right of mature minors to consent to medical treatment, video surveillance in public places, religious exercises in public schools and the scanning and storage of personal information by private businesses.

In Manitoba, the public is able to participate in the law making process, whether by providing input to government in formulating policies or by making formal submissions on bills introduced in the Legislature at committee hearings. MARL regularly makes presentations on bills impacting human rights and civil liberties. This year we are particularly proud of the work we’ve done pushing for change in the oversight of police. MARL has long advocated for reform to include greater civilian oversight and to ensure independent investigation of police misconduct. We believe this is critical to maintain public trust in law enforcement. As a member of the Inner City Safety Coalition, MARL played a key role in identifying principles for legislative reform. Manitoba Justice specifically sought our input on the new proposed Police Services Act. We will continue to scrutinize the bill as it goes through the Legislature and monitor its implementation.

This year also saw the first ever MARLY youth award ceremony, as part of our pilot Human Rights Education Program. Awards were presented to students and teachers from three high schools who demonstrated leadership and initiative in human rights. The celebration event, held at the Fort Garry Hotel, was fun and inspirational. MARL also created a teacher’s toolkit to assist in educating students about the need to promote and safeguard human rights and freedoms. Education, especially of young people, remains one of MARL’s key priorities. I want to recognize the tremendous work of the Education Committee in developing this exciting new initiative, with the generous financial support of the Winnipeg Foundation. A special thanks to Debra Chorney, our program coordinator, who helped bring this project to fruition with great energy and resolve. We look forward to future MARLY events and hope to make our HREP bigger and even better.

We are in the midst of some significant change at MARL. Valerie Price, our Executive Director, has decided to leave us. Valerie has been the public face and voice of MARL for 13 years. She guided the organization adeptly and worked very hard to advance our goals. MARL was very lucky to have such a dedicated person at the helm and she will be greatly missed. On behalf of MARL, thank you Valerie for your hard work and support.

While change is always difficult, it also presents opportunity. We are very pleased to introduce Cindy Murdoch, who started as our new Executive Director on June 1st. Cindy has been very active volunteering in the community and brings to MARL a strong understanding of human rights and civil liberties including the challenges facing disadvantaged groups. Cindy is enthusiastic and passionate about MARL’s work and we are very confident that the organization is in good hands.

This is also my last report as president of MARL as my six year term on the board of directors has come to an end. Over the summer, MARL will identify our next president who will formally take over at the board meeting in September. I will remain on the board in an ex officio capacity as past president.

I would like to this opportunity to express a few words of thanks. First I want to thank our membership for your continued support and interest in MARL. Your generous contributions of time and money make our work possible. I encourage you to stay involved and spread the word about MARL. We need everyone working together to protect and enhance our fragile human rights and civil liberties.

I also want to thank the members of the board for your support and commitment. Despite leading very busy lives, you devoted the time and energy needed to make MARL successful. As much as possible, the board tries to achieve consensus. I have enjoyed working with all of you, exchanging ideas and debating important issues. I’d like to extend a special thanks to Gus Boetzkes whose six year term on the board also ends at this time. Gus’s consulting background proved extremely valuable as he often provided the board with much needed structure, organization and a practical approach.

The United Way also deserves recognition as MARL’s core funder. The United Way shares MARL’s passion for making our community better and more just. We are grateful for your continued support.

Finally, I again want to mention Valerie Price. During my tenure, you kept the board on track and on top of important issues. You made my job much easier.

I have enjoyed a very rewarding and challenging six years with MARL and I look forward to working with the new board again next year.

Michael Conner
President