| MINISTER CONTINUES TO STONEWALL ON QUESTIONS OF COMPETENCE |
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| Wednesday, 06 December 2006 19:00 |
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Critic for Children and Youth Lisa MacLeod presses for accountability from Chambers. QUEEN’S PARK, December 7, 2006 – Days after the Ontario Auditor General’s report revealed mismanagement of tax dollars earmarked for children at risk, the Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary-Anne Chambers continues to evade questions from Opposition Critic Lisa MacLeod. “Yesterday the Minister refused to inform this House who was responsible for her department, said MacLeod. “Who was held responsible for the excessive mismanagement of tax dollars at Children’s Aids Societies, and who, if anyone in her department, was fired.” The Auditor General’s report, released on Tuesday, revealed that the Ministry of Children and Youth, during Minister Chambers’ tenure, lowered accountability standards for Children’s Aid Societies by cancelling financial reviews, failing to review quarterly reports, and discontinuing risk assessments. “The Auditor outlined three specific mechanisms by which the Minister should have been made aware,” said MacLeod. “She missed all three. The Minister can continue pass the buck and play down her responsibility in this mess, but she still has a lot to answer for.” According to the Auditor General’s report, while CAS staff were on taxpayer-funded trips, services for children at risk were neglected. CBC online is reporting that the executive director of Toronto's Children Aid Society says the auditor’s report is misleading. “In light of this, I have to ask, does the Minister agree with the Auditor General or does she agree with the Children’s Aid Society?” - 30 - For more information, contact: Stephen Gilman, Executive Assistant Phone: 613-823-2116 Cell: 613-297-2051 |