We are calling for the resignation of the Child and Family Services Minister. We are also calling on this NDP Government to take immediate steps to protect children in care.
Five year old Phoenix Sinclair was allegedly killed 9 months before anybody even noticed that she was missing. Phoenix had an extensive history with Child and Family Service agencies, but her case was closed three months before she died. Her death is a tragedy, and one which possibly could have been avoided. Judge Arnold Conner, and two other Provincial Court Judges warned the government that failure to follow judicial recommendations may result in the death of more children. Judge Conner released his report in February 2003 which called for an independent enquiry into the workload of careworkers, and amendments to Child and Family Services legislation. None of this was done! The government said that these recommendations were implemented, which prompted Judge Conner to exclaim it’s a “blatant lie.” Who do you believe – Judge Conner, or the Doer Government?
The amendments to the legislation that Judge Conner recommended included 3 provisions:

1. to require police officers to provide any important information when a child is being considered for protective custody,
2. to allow child welfare agencies to require others to release information relevant to bringing a child into care, and
3. to require caseworkers to bring evidence forward to a Judge to determine the best interests of the child.

All of these amendments are common sense solutions, but so far the government has put these amendments on hold – why?
In response to the government’s inability to manage child care services, we have called on the government to take a 3 step approach:

1. to take immediate action to ensure no other child is placed in harm’s way,
2. to conduct an independent external review of the 2,600 children in care who have been transferred from Child and Family Services to other authorities, and
3. to call on independent enquiry into the child welfare system in Manitoba so that no more vulnerable children have to die.

Thirty-one Manitoba children have died since 2001 while in care. Compare that with zero cases in Saskatchewan! Clearly, there is no accountability and management with this NDP government.
The government continues to ignore the red flags raised by this very serious issue. The Minister of Family Services has failed Manitoba children, indeed, she has failed all Manitobans – and that’s why we are calling for her resignation!