Charlottetown, PE – The Official Opposition caucus has released eight recommendations to improve and strengthen government’s Child and Youth Advocate legislation.
“We have long supported the introduction of an independent child and youth advocate and I commend government for its work in drafting the Child and Youth Advocate Act. Our children are our future and must be protected,” said Peter Bevan-Baker, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Our caucus completed a review of similar laws across Canada with a purpose to improve the legislation being proposed by the PEI government. Based upon this jurisdictional scan, we are presenting eight important recommendations for strengthening the draft legislation.”
Among the recommendations are a requirement for public bodies and community organizations to respond to the Advocate’s recommendations, creating terms of appointment consistent with other provinces and strengthening the criteria for eligibility to be appointed as Advocate, and expanding the scope of what the Advocate can review or investigate.
“We must be sure to get this right,” explained Mr. Bevan-Baker. “The Advocate must be empowered with the necessary tools to investigate and effect change on behalf of our children and youth. Based upon our examination of existing legislation across Canada, we believe these recommendations will improve and strengthen the proposed Child and Youth Advocate Act.”
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (902) 213-0718
Email: jdhamel@assembly.pe.ca