Once a year, British Columbia dedicates a week to recognize the unique situations, strengths and struggles of the more than 8,000 children and youth in the care of the provincial government. It is an important time to remember and reflect on the needs and rights of these young people – and for me to speak directly to those of you for whom government care is, has been or may be a part of your childhood:
MONTREAL – British Columbia Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond was granted an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree today at McGill University’s Spring Convocation ceremony.
In honour of Social Work Week this year, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the front-line workers in the child-serving system, and to applaud their chosen theme, “Social Workers Promoting Greater Social Equity.” This theme reminds us that social workers fill a key role in ensuring that B.C.’s most vulnerable children have the same opportunities as their peers.
Coast Capital Savings today announced the launch of a fund that will help youth formerly in care of the province access post-secondary education at British Columbia institutions. Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen-Turpel Lafond attended the launch and comments.
The federal legislation that came into force this week is a welcome step toward addressing the safety and security of First Nations women and children who live on-reserve in Canada.
In British Columbia, an estimated 50,000 children and youth have special needs and require services and supports to thrive alongside their peers. Dec. 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is an opportunity to reflect on whether they are safe and secure at school and in our communities, and if we must do more in our province to see their rights upheld.
National Child Day, a date that commemorates Canada’s adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), is more than just a day of recognition — it’s a reminder of the role we all have to play in protecting the rights of children.
October is Community Living Month, the perfect time to honour the contributions of children and youth with developmental disabilities and recognize the many people who are making a difference in their lives, helping them build brighter futures.
For three years now, British Columbia has dedicated one week to reflect on the strengths and needs of each of the more than 8,000 children and youth in the care of our provincial government. To each one of those boys and girls and youth in care, I want to take this opportunity to say:
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day centres on seeking a world in which women and children can live free from violence.
Just over a year ago I released a report Honouring Kaitlynne, Max and Cordon: Make Their Voices Heard Now. It is a tragic recounting of unaddressed disconnects between systems that urgently need to be working closely together in domestic violence situations – child protection, income assistance, mental health, police and judicial systems.
