[LabComm] Campbell should reinstate independent watch-dog to ensure child safety in BC - James

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

Campbell should reinstate independent watch-dog to ensure child safety in BC - James



Vancouver - Premier Gordon Campbell should restore the independent office of the Children's Commissioner immediately, NDP Leader Carole James said today. 

"It's vital that the public regain trust in government's ability to protect children at risk," said James. "The best way to do that is to re-establish an independent office responsible for investigating children's deaths and injuries, free from political interference.

"The tragic death of Matthew Vaudreuil taught us many lessons about the need for clear, unbiased monitoring of children in the care of the Ministry for Children and Family Development, as well as children known to the Ministry," said James.

"It is shameful that the lessons of that tragedy and the recommendations of the Gove Report have been abandoned by Gordon Campbell."

In 2002 the Premier eliminated the independent offices of the Children's Commissioner and the Advocate for Children, Youth and Families. Both offices were established by the then-NDP government in response to the recommendations of the Gove Report. In addition, since 2001, the Premier has cut the budget for the Ministry for Children and Family Development by more than $200 million.

The government has not maintained public reporting on the deaths or critical injuries of child in care, and is now refusing to release the number of children known to the Ministry who have died or been critically injured. 

"Matthew Vaudreuil was a child known to the Ministry - not a child in care - when he was killed in 1992. Under Gordon Campbell's approach to child protection we have no idea how many more cases like Matthew's may have occurred in the last four years," said James

While in Opposition, Campbell claimed to support the recommendations of the Gove Report, demanding the establishment of independent watch-dogs for child protection. 

"Once in power the Premier not only eliminated the child protection watch-dogs, but also shifted all responsibility for investigation to the coroner's office – something he condemned when in Opposition, " said James.

"The Children's Commission was a successful model, ensuring regular monitoring, ongoing independent investigations, and public reporting on the state of child protection," said James. "Mr. Campbell should admit his mistake now and reinstate the independent commissioner today."

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