Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Last Thursday, the Office of the Ombudsman made clear its intent not to continue the advocacy function of the Ontario Child Advocate. As a result, as many as 45 positions are now directly job threatened. While we’ve known since the advent of Bill 57 that this was a worse case outcome – its nonetheless frustrating to witness this level of disregard. Staff at the Advocate’s office—talented, dedicated professionals—stand with children and youth to “amplify their voices, promote action on their issues, and ensure that they are heard.”
They specialise in working with young people who encounter, or who are served by the child welfare system, the youth justice system, or schools for the Deaf, Blind, Deaf/Blind and severely learning disabled.
They also ensure Indigenous young people with special needs and or mental health concerns have equitable access to services and resources.
AMAPCEO has made the Ombudsman, Ministers at Treasury Board, MCCSS and the Premier’s Office aware that the effects of cutting these services will be felt across this province. Young people are losing front-line assistance and a voice that can affect systemic change to policy, regulations, or legislation. Moreover, the Government’s promise not to lay off public sector workers is being put to the test.
AMAPCEO continues to do everything within its power to protect our OCA members and we urge the Government to reconsider, to intervene, to protect the youth of Ontario and to honour its platform commitments.
With this instance being one of many AMAPCEO members face at the moment, it’s important to remember that we are always stronger together—and never more so than in tough times.
Sincerely,
Dave Bulmer
President