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BCGEU President named to advisory council to improve B.C.’s child welfare system

“I look forward to working with this new advisory council and the ministry to bring about overdue and meaningful improvements to our child welfare system, both within MCFD and within delegated Aboriginal agencies,” said President Smith. 

Vancouver (24 May 2016) — The B.C. government has set up an advisory council to find ways to improve the province's child welfare system. Stephanie Smith, President of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) has been appointed as one of the six members. 

The advisory council will provide independent advice on the allocation of additional staff, increased training and greater transparency and accountability at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

“I look forward to working with this new advisory council and the ministry to bring about overdue and meaningful improvements to our child welfare system, both within MCFD and within delegated Aboriginal agencies,” said President Smith.

“The BCGEU/NUPGE reports Choose Children and Closing the Circle provided clear direction for crucial changes to assist our front-line members and the administrative staff who support their work, to improve the services for at-risk children, youth and their families. Consultation with stakeholder groups, especially First Nations and Aboriginal community leaders, is vitally important to the advisory council’s success," Smith said. 

More information: 

BCGEU report Choose Children.

BCGEU report Closing the Circle

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE