BEAUSOLEIL FIRST NATION YOUTH COUNCIL
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CHRISTIAN ISLAND, ON – Lance Copegog, Deputy Youth Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation Youth Council, has released the following statement regarding the repeal of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Act, 2007:
“I am shocked and appalled at the Ontario government’s decision to eliminate the Ontario Child Advocate and repeal the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Act, 2007.”
“The Ontario Child Advocate plays an important role an amplifying the voices of Indigenous youth, educating children on their rights, and ensuring that children in care have a champion. Through the good work of Irwin Elman and his team, the Office of the Ontario Child Advocate has ensured that First Nations youth have equitable access to services and resources in Ontario.”
“By eliminating the Child Advocate position, Ontario becomes the largest province in Canada not to have one. The Progressive Conservatives are responsible for a regression in Ontario’s standing among the provinces. I am troubled by the Ford government’s utter lack of compassion and understanding.”
“I call on Premier Ford to reverse this decision. The Ontario government is putting the lives of Indigenous children on the line.”
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