Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to update Members about the new office within the Department of Justice: the office of the children’s lawyer.
Under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which Canada ratified in 1991, children have the right to be heard in proceedings affecting them. Canada has a legal obligation to ensure the provisions of the convention are met, yet very few jurisdictions in Canada have a system to offer independent counsel to children in legal proceedings affecting them to ensure that their voices are heard.
In October of this year the Department of Justice opened the first office of the children’s lawyer, working under the public trustee. The office delivers quality legal services for children in child protection proceedings, custody and access disputes. These legal services will provide support to children in emotionally stressful and intimidating settings.
The office of the children’s lawyer is establishing a roster of family lawyers who will represent children. The office is coordinating training for these lawyers to ensure children are receiving the specialized quality representation that they deserve. Last month the office received its first clients, and by month’s end 10 children were being represented in situations ranging from custody disputes to permanent custody applications by the director of child and family services.
In the new fiscal year we will be evaluating the possibility of providing professional assessments for children and families to assist the courts in making decisions about the best interests of children.
The children’s lawyer will be travelling to the NWT communities to meet with children, attend court and make communities aware of these new services.
We are pleased with the progress of this office and support taking concrete steps to ensure the children’s best interest will be properly represented. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu.
