| MPP MACLEOD CHALLENGES MINISTER TO STOP PUTTING CARS BEFORE KIDS |
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| Wednesday, 29 November 2006 19:00 |
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QUEEN’S PARK, November 30, 2006 – Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, the Opposition Critic for Children and Youth Services, responded today to reports of financial irregularities at children’s aid societies. “Today, Mr. Speaker, I was saddened and disappointed to learn that several executives with children’s aid societies were given vehicles, including two SUV’s worth over $50,000 a piece,” said MacLeod. “Sources with residential treatment centres indicate to me that $50,000 would go a long way in the treatment of one troubled youth in a year.” Reports this morning indicated that Ontario’s auditor general had uncovered stunning evidence of improper spending, including expensive vehicles, meals at high-end restaurants with no explanation, and expensive trips to the Caribbean, China and Buenos Aires. “We also learned today that one-third of cases reviewed revealed that initial visits to Ontario’s at risk children were delayed by on average three weeks,” said MacLeod. “Never before has the need been greater to advocate on behalf of Ontario’s most vulnerable children.” MacLeod was speaking in response to Minister Mary Anne Chambers tabling a bill to create an independent children’s advocate. “Twenty months ago—one year and a half ago, the former Minister of Children and Youth- made a promise, and I quote, ‘The McGuinty government will introduce legislation this spring’,” said MacLeod. “Now today, three years after they made the first promise and twenty months after the second we see before a piece of legislation that may never see Royal Assent.” “The PC Party of Ontario will be on top of this legislation every step of the way,” said MacLeod, “to ensure funding to Children and Youth has the appropriate oversights so never again will we have to learn in this province that Children’s Aid Societies have traded kids for cars.” - 30 - For more information, contact: Stephen Gilman, Executive Assistant Phone: 613-823-2116 Cell: 613-297-2051 |