Corey O’Soup. Photo by Manfred Joehnck
On the heels of complaints about social services staffing levels in the north made by SGEU earlier this week, the province’s Child and Youth Advocate is also speaking out.
Advocate Corey O’Soup has issued a statement saying he’s concerned about reports that 30 Social Services positions are vacant.
“It is troubling for us at any time when this many front line positions are unfilled, but it is especially concerning in light of the recent suicides of six young girls in the north. We have heard first-hand accounts from professionals in the region who are feeling overwhelmed with the situation,” he’s quoted as saying in the statement.
The province has stated it will instate a hiring freeze for government positions, except for essential services.
O’soup is urging the province to consider frontline social services positions as essential.