Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development, has issued the following statement in response to the Dec. 15, 2020, report from the representative for children and youth (RCY):

Youth in government care will be able to stay where they are and those who have recently aged out of care will receive extra support, as government extends and builds on COVID-19 emergency measures.

B.C. families in 35 communities will soon have access to thousands of quality, licensed child care spaces as the Province marks a new milestone in its Childcare BC plan.

A new online learning hub is giving thousands of early care and learning (ECL) professionals an opportunity to take courses virtually at a time, pace and place that is convenient for them.

The Province is extending interim measures, including a new round of funding and supports for children with special needs and youth aging out of care, to help children, youth and families through the ongoing pandemic.

Child care providers and parents can continue to count on funding from the Province to support the ongoing operations of child care centres throughout British Columbia.

Indigenous children and youth in government care and former youth in care are entitled to consistent and reliable support at school, home and in their communities, to ensure they get the most out of their school years and are set up for success in life.

As a former youth in care, I have realized that consistent support is one of the most important ingredients to a young person’s success.