TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Yesterday, NDP Critic for Children and Youth Services Monique Taylor tabled Bill 146, Disclosure of Information Relating to the Protection of Children Act, 2015. The bill seeks to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 to protect employees against reprisal when reporting concerns about a service or a child to the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.
Protection of an employee would extend to those who have: "(c.1) sought advice about making a disclosure or made a disclosure that resulted in or may have resulted in the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth carrying out functions or exercising powers under the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Act, 2007;(c.2) made a disclosure under the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Act, 2007."
"Children under the mandate of our Office are the most vulnerable and silenced in the province. There are times in which they require supportive adults to stand with them. This bill is about protecting vulnerable children and creating a culture in this province where a child's voice can be heard and where individuals seeking to amplify that voice can come forward without fearing reprisal from their employer," said Irwin Elman, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.
A copy of the proposed private member's bill is available at: Bill 146
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.
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SOURCE Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
Media contact: Akihiko Tse, Media and Communications Coordinator, [email protected] or 416-325-5994
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