Advocate, YG still at odds over review
It appears the territorial government and the Child and Youth Advocate are still at loggerheads.
It appears the territorial government and the Child and Youth Advocate are still at loggerheads.
The two parties have been in disagreement since advocate Annette King announced last month she would launch a full-scale review of a criminal act against a child at Hidden Valley School.
In 2020, an individual was jailed for committing sexual interference at the school in 2019.
The government and Education Minister Jeanie McLean told the media in August that the advocate’s office doesn’t have the authority to carry out that investigation.
That prompted King to say most people misunderstand the nature of advocate’s office and what it can do.
She said she planned to discuss the situation with the government, but didn’t rule out a court action.
On Tuesday, she told the Star the situation hasn’t been resolved yet.
“We are currently focusing on responding to the multiple individual cases that have come forward, as this is our primary role,” King said.
“We are also reviewing the (Education) department’s response to our request for immediate action, and will be proceeding as planned with the review of safety and supports at Hidden Valley School.”
King said she planned to continue with the review as planned.
The department’s failure to advise parents of the school’s students about the charge, conviction and jailing of the former EA has been heavily criticized by some of the parents and the official Opposition Yukon Party.
Comments (6)
Up 14 Down 7
Jake on Sep 1, 2021 at 6:47 pm
The Advocate is a joke - you mean you have done nothing and are still arguing with the government? Come on.
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Brenda on Sep 1, 2021 at 6:05 pm
What exactly is the Advocate planning to review ? Clearly the abuse occurred. Shouldn't she be reviewing the hiring process, what the school knew and when they knew it and what they did to ensure the protection of the children once they had knowledge? I am unclear what exactly the advocate is doing right now in terms of individual cases, providing counseling ? To me the Advocate's focus should be on reviewing the department of Educations culpability and what they did to protect the children in their care. Let the people who provide counseling and support do their job - I think our Advocate is confused about her role. Tick tock....... get on with it.
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Mel on Sep 1, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Yukon Advocate what are you waiting for - an invitation ???? DO YOUR JOB, take it to court if you want to do a review get it done. You are a watchdog and "independent" office so start your review or take it to Court and get the green light. The time that has lapsed and you are still trying to get "co operation" proves you are not "INDEPENDENT". Ridiculous, why do we have an Advocate ? Just as an FYI the Yukon Advocate office did not complete the group home review she farmed it out to the Alberta Advocates office. Co operation from the Yukon Government you will wait a looooong time for that Ms. King so decide who you answer to, the public or your pals in the Government......like I said ridiculous time for a new Yukon Advocate.
Up 15 Down 4
Al on Sep 1, 2021 at 4:52 pm
I have a perfect suggestion. Silver, let's go to the polls so we get a double play - get rid of both you and that twerp in Ottawa. Then we can really party.
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Peter on Sep 1, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Well so much for a Liberal Yukon Government being open and transparent. Why do Yukoner's put up with these Liberals running our Yukon?
Yukoner's have to speak up to their MLAS and make them accountable to us Yukon taxpayers, their employer.
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JSM on Sep 1, 2021 at 2:06 pm
There should be no rest until we get this right. Will someone think of the children? Leaving the Liberal Government to act on this will be too long of a delay. These kids were irreparably harmed and no one is going to bat for them.