Released on March 22, 1995
Social Services Minister Bob Pringle today moved in the legislaturethat Dr. Deborah Parker-Loewen, who was named acting children's
advocate in November 1994, be permanently appointed.
Under the legislation introduced in the last session, the appointment
of the advocate must be approved by the legislature. When Dr.
Parker-Loewen was appointed the legislature was not sitting therefore
she was named acting advocate. Today, the legislature unanimously
approved the appointment.
"I am pleased today to be able to say that Dr. Parker-Loewen is
Saskatchewan's first child advocate," Pringle said. "I know she has
already been hard at work meeting with youth groups, government
departments and the Children's Council, and she is receiving numerous
calls from children, parents, teachers and others concerned about
children's well-being.
"The role of the children's advocate is a very important one. I am
sure it will do much to help us as a government assist children, youth
and families in this province."
The legislation which outlines the mandate of the office of the
children's advocate gives the advocate the power to:
ù receive, review and investigate any matter which comes to her
attention from any source, including a child;
ù attempt to resolve matters through the use of negotiation,
conciliation, mediation or other non-confrontational methods;
ù conduct research to improve the interests and well-being of
children and provide advice to any minister for services to
children;
ù prepare special reports for the legislature at any time, either at
the request of the legislature, any minister or department, or upon
her own initiative; and,
ù provide public education on the well-being of children.
"We are very fortunate to have an individual of Dr. Parker-Loewen's
calibre as our first children's advocate. Her knowledge, experience
and commitment to children and youth will be invaluable in this
position," Pringle said.
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For more information, contact:
Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 787-0916