NEW LEGISLATION WILL BENEFIT AT RISK CHILDREN AND YOUTH, IMPROVE OMBUDSMAN SERVICES

The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced The Advocate for Children and Youth Act and The Ombudsman Act, 2011 to enhance and clarify the services available to Saskatchewan people through the offices of two independent officers of the legislature.

These new Acts will help people who receive services from the provincial government and publicly-funded health care services by giving the Advocate for Children and Youth and the Ombudsman the ability to obtain information voluntarily from government ministries, agencies and the health system. The Advocate will also be given the mandate to research issues relating to the rights of children and youth.

"This legislation reflects our government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Saskatchewan residents," Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. "The people affected by these Acts are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and their rights must be protected and promoted."

The Advocate's Act also changes the title of the independent officer to the Advocate for Children and Youth. The name change is intended to encourage older children and youth to take advantage of the confidential services offered through the Advocate's office.

The Ombudsman Act, 2011 gives the Ombudsman authority to conduct a review if invited to by an agency or organization over which the Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction. That change comes in response to several requests for assistance in recent years from municipalities and self-governing professional bodies.

The Advocate for Children and Youth Act and The Ombudsman Act, 2011 were drafted following extensive consultations with the current Children's Advocate Bob Pringle, Ombudsman Kevin Fenwick and the Ministries of Health, Social Services and Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. Consultations were also held with representatives of regional health authorities and numerous publicly-funded health care providers. The two Acts replace The Ombudsman and Children's Advocate Act.

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For more information, contact:

Noel Busse
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca