MANITOBA GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASE
Expands role of the Children’s Advocate to enhance health, well-being of children: Fielding
The Manitoba government will proclaim The Advocate for Children and Youth Act to come into force March 15, Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today. The act expands the mandate of the children’s advocate, an independent officer of the Manitoba legislature.
“This legislation strengthens the advocate’s powers and responsibilities and expands their ability to advocate, review and investigate beyond the child and family services system,” said Fielding. “This will ensure greater public accountability for a range of key public services that protect Manitoba’s most vulnerable children and youth, and aim to make those services more effective and responsive.”
The act responds to 11 key recommendations in a report by commissioner Ted Hughes following the Inquiry into the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Phoenix Sinclair.