VICTORIA – The Representative for Children and Youth will be able to disclose to families and the public if a child’s death is under investigation, according to a bill introduced to the legislature yesterday by New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons.

“Family members and the public are not told whether an investigation is taking place in the Representative’s office following a tragic incident which results in a child’s death or critical injury,” said Simons.Nicholas Simons

“The Representative has indicated very clearly this gap in her current legislation and the need to amend her legislation so that she can do her job properly,” said Simons in the legislature. “The Representative has even conveyed the need for this change to her act directly to the Attorney General by letter – but has not had a positive response.”

“In the absence of that positive response from the government,” Simons said, “I am introducing a bill which makes the necessary amendment to the Representative for Children and Youth Act.”

The Private Members' Bill is entitled the Representative for Children and Youth Act Amendment Act, 2007.

Nicholas Simons

Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Nicholas Simons was first elected as MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast on May 17, 2005.