Northern MLA Defends Dept. of Community Resources

Northern MLA Defends Dept. of Community Resources

Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 14:31

The MLA for Athabasca says his department approves of a recent call for stricter accountability measures when it comes to relatives accepting custody of a child.

Buckley Belanger says he and the rest of the staff at the Department of Community Resources are anxious to hear from First Nations and Metis residents about what they think of the idea.

Last week, the Children’s Advocate for the province advised the government that it should be performing background checks on extended relatives who accept children into their care.

Belanger says checks are already done on most cases where the department is involved, so he doesn’t foresee a drastic change.

Belanger says the measure was likely sparked by the Sherry Charlie case in B.C. where an uncle took the life of the little girl.

Belanger says his department is ready to consult aboriginal people about the issue at any time.