Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux issued the following statement about the appointment of a new interim representative for children and youth (RCY) in British Columbia:

“I wish to congratulate Bernard Richard on his appointment as B.C.’s interim representative for children and youth.

“I had a conversation with him following his appointment and took that opportunity to assure him that I, as Minister of Children and Family Development, as well as the ministry, look forward to supporting his advocacy work. I know he is passionate about and brings an experienced lens to the issue of Aboriginal children in care, and I particularly look forward to hearing his insight in that area. I look forward to meeting him in person as soon as he arrives in B.C.

“We have made a lot of progress over the course of this year, including the expansion of support services to youth who have aged out of government care, and the launch of an online adoption application process – Adopt BC Kids – aimed at increasing the number of B.C. children and youth in care who find loving, permanent homes. There are also future initiatives like increased quality assurance measures for ministry policy and practice that I’m keen to work on, in co-operation with him.

“By harnessing the shared vision of a better future for children and youth in care – as well as the expertise in both the ministry and RCY office – I know that, we can, together and in collaboration, achieve bright futures for the young British Columbians we serve.”