Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux released the following statement on part one of Bob Plecas’ review of the ministry:

“I want to thank Mr. Plecas and his team for this very thorough and in-depth report. Its contents represent the collective wisdom of a number of experts in the fields of law, government administration and child welfare. Their advice – while independent of government – was informed, in part, by access to any government official and document they requested and I’d like to also thank ministry staff for their participation in this process.

“The report offers a helpful retrospective of what’s been going on in the Ministry of Children and Family Development since its inception. It shows how the past three years have seen the ministry chart a course that brings us closer to Mr. Hughes’ initial vision for MCFD. It also outlines the struggles we’ve faced, including the tragic and high-profile cases that have recently shaken the public’s confidence in the work that we do.

“Appropriately entitled Decision Time, the report illustrates some of the key choices we must make if we are to address those challenges and continue moving our system forward.

“I appreciate Mr. Plecas’ insight into these matters as well as his thoughtful recommendations. Government will take the next few months to carefully consider each of those as we look at how best to proceed.

“I can tell you that one requirement – in terms of working from the recommendations – is that Mr. Plecas stay on to help with implementation. I’ve asked that he provide me with a six-month update that will be made public after receipt, and he has agreed to do that.

“We will need to establish a transition team that brings the right people to the table with the experience and capacity to drive the change that’s needed. I’ve asked my deputy minister to bring recommendations to me on who should be on that team in the new year, and the names of those team members will be made public shortly thereafter.

“Change at the level and scope that Mr. Plecas outlines in his strategic plan will take a firm commitment from both sides of the house to move beyond politics and focus on how we can work together to better serve children and families. This will also require a considerable investment of resources.

“I’m pleased that there is recognition around the cabinet table of the need for this kind of investment and the value it can provide. I am optimistic that we can do what’s needed to improve our child welfare system and move it forward, in line with the direction of this report.

“There is work underway even now that will affect our approach and there are other considerations still to be made before we can discuss specifics. I expect more details will be available following the release of Budget 2016.

“I want to, once again thank Mr. Plecas and his team for their work in compiling this report. I’d also like to thank the Child Welfare League of Canada for their support in assembling the team and helping to ensure the independent nature of the report.

“I stand by our child welfare system. As Mr. Plecas rightly points out, its strength lies in the foundation of a compassionate and dedicated workforce. We can and must give more support to that foundation. We owe it to the men and women who perform the toughest job in government, and we owe it to the thousands of B.C. children and families they serve.”

Learn More:

Plecas Review, Part One: ow.ly/2bwHia