Note: This is a copy of an Ontario Liberal Party news release issued July 9, 2003.


Ontario Liberals to ensure Child Advocate's independence


QUEEN'S PARK, July 9 /CNW/ - Dalton McGuinty today announced the Ontario Liberal plan to make the Office of the Child Advocate a truly independent body.

"We can't have a government controlling and trying to muzzle the one person responsible for fighting for and protecting children in care," said McGuinty. "The Office of the Child Advocate needs to be totally independent from government interference."

An Ontario Liberal government would pass a law ensuring the independence of the Office for the Child Advocate. Key elements of the law would include:

- Ensuring the Child Advocate reports to the Legislative Assembly, not the government;

- Requiring the appointment the Child Advocate through an all- party Legislative Committee;

- Setting a fixed term for the Child Advocate's appointment;

- Ensuring the budget for the new Office of the Child Advocate is set by the all-party Board of Internal Economy, which is chaired by the Speaker of the Legislature;

- Ensuring the Child Advocate is empowered to issue an Annual Report, and Special Reports as the advocate deems necessary.

"The Office of the Child Advocate should be treated the same as the Provincial Auditor or Ombudsman - truly independent and free from political interference," said McGuinty.

The current controversy surrounding the Child Advocate began when the Tory government tried to force Judy Finlay, Ontario's Chief Child Advocate, to sign a contract that would give the government veto power over any investigations launched, and any and all press releases and communications issued by the Child Advocate.

The Child Advocate has been extremely critical of the Harris- Eves government after six children died questionable deaths while in provincial care. In the previous 17 years, no children died questionable deaths.

Provinces that already have established independent Child Advocate Offices include Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Eves government has tried to muzzle our Child Advocate. That's wrong and we will stop it. The Child Advocate should be free to speak for our children, not be muzzled by the government," said McGuinty.