The Human Services Minister vowed Wednesday to make changes to the child intervention system to increase transparency.
The statement comes on Day 2 of roundtable discussions among experts at the University of Alberta to improve the system.
Tuesday’s conversations focused on whether there should be changes to a controversial publication ban that prevents the release of any identifying factors of a child known to the ministry.
“I commit to the release of information, I’m just asking the experts how to protect others in the system while we do it,” said Manmeet Bhullar, Alberta Human Services Minister.
From January 1, 1999 to September 30, 2013, 149 children passed away in care. An additional 84 children whose families were receiving support also died.
Several former foster children spoke at the roundtable, and expressed concerns about the province’s publication ban.
“Banning identity in the media leads to erasing the identity and valuable story of an individual, a human being that has been failed by the system that serves to protect them,” said Samantha.
Alberta Premier Alison Redford admitted things need to change.
“Child welfare right across Canada needs to look different than it does today,” said Redford.
The Human Services Minister says he’s confident changes will come in the spring sitting of the Legislature.
A summary of the roundtable discussion will be released in February.
With files from Brenna Rose
