MOTION ON NOTICE

At the Council meeting of February 19, 2002, Councillor Louis submitted the following Notice of Motion, which was recognized by the Chair.

6. Reinstatement of Child and Youth Advocate at City Hall (File: 4102)

WHEREAS, in September 1988 Council approved the establishment of a Child and Youth Advocate "to ensure that children's needs are taken into account in all areas within the City's jurisdiction, and to act as advocate and liaison with senior levels of government to address gaps in service or deficiencies affecting children in their jurisdiction."

AND WHEREAS, Council, recognizing the necessity for an objective and independent role for the Advocate, therefore directed that the Child and Youth Advocate report directly to Council and its Committees;

AND WHEREAS, the duties of the Child and Youth Advocate were successfully performed by three individuals until 1999;

AND WHEREAS, in 1999 Council eliminated the position of Child and Youth Advocate following the creation by the Provincial Government of an Office of Child, Youth and Family Advocate acting as an independent office of the Legislature;

AND WHEREAS, on February 7, 2002, the Provincial Government announced it will eliminate the independent Office of Child, Youth and Family Advocate and integrate Child and Family Advocate duties with those of the Children's Commissioner, and have them no longer report independently to the Legislature, but instead report to the Ministry of the Attorney-General;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Council reinstate the position of Vancouver Child and Youth Advocate, and that the Advocate report directly to Council and its Committees.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver