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The BCGEU/NUPGE is pleased by Mr. Richard's willingness to continue a working relationship on these vital issues and looks forward to working with him.
Vancouver (22 Feb. 2017) — On February 20, representatives of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) met with the new Representative for Children and Youth. Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President, Doug Kinna, Vice-President for Social Information and Health, and Mike Eso, Regional Coordinator met with Bernard Richard to discuss key issues facing the child welfare system.
Replacing the long serving Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Richard was confirmed last week by the British Columbia Legislature as the province's second Representative for Children and Youth.
New Representative for Children and Youth's knowledge and commitment impressive
The Representative is a non-partisan, independent officer of the Legislature, reporting directly to the Legislative Assembly and not to a government ministry. Since 2007, British Columbia’s RCY has assisted young people and their families in dealing with the provincial child and youth welfare system. The RCY also provides oversight and makes recommendations for improvements to the system.
The BCGEU/NUPGE has worked cooperatively with the RCY's office since 2007 and this recent meeting was very positive. Mr. Richard's knowledge and commitment to the issues facing our child welfare system was impressive — those issues faced by staff in the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), and those faced by contracted and Aboriginal agencies who work in the sector.
Particular topics of discussion included: issues of staffing and workload, recruitment and retention challenges, and those faced by Delegated Aboriginal Agencies.
The BCGEU/NUPGE is pleased by Mr. Richard's willingness to continue a working relationship on these vital issues and looks forward to working with him.