Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth participates in historic events to mark closing of Truth and Reconciliation Commission

TORONTO, May 29, 2015 /CNW/ - In the lead-up to the release of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report on the Indian Residential Schools, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Irwin Elman will join thousands of survivors, elected officials, First Nations leaders and others in Ottawa.

On behalf of the Provincial Advocate's Office and as Chair of the Canadian Council of Child Advocates and Youth, Elman will participate in several closing events, most notably the Walk of Reconciliation (May 31^st); the "Actions of Reconciliation" session to present the Council's Declaration of Reconciliation (June 1^st); and an educational workshop for youth entitled "Breaking Stereotypes" led by the Advocate's Office, the Feathers of Hope youth amplifiers, Right to Play and Canadian Roots Exchange (June 1^st).

What:	The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's closing events
When:	Events held from May 31-June 3, 2015
Where:	Ottawa
Who:	Irwin Elman, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth and Chair of the Canadian Council of Children and Youth Advocates

About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children. The advocates receive and respond to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Provincial Advocate may identify systemic problems involving children, conduct reviews and provide education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children. The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.

About the Canadian Council on Child and Youth Advocates

The Canadian Council on Child and Youth Advocates is an alliance of provincially appointed advocates for children from the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Yukon and Saskatchewan, as well as the Youth Services Section of the Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman and the Québec Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.

The Council member offices work to ensure that children and youth rights are respected and valued, and that their interests and voice, regarding services delivered to children and youth by provincial governments, are heard. Additionally, they engage in rights-based public education, work to resolve disputes and conduct independent reviews, and recommend improvements regarding programs for children and youth. The Council's work is based on its commitment to uphold the rights proclaimed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although mandates differ provincially, Council members share a common commitment to further the voice, rights and dignity of children and youth.

SOURCE Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

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