This release was issued under a previous government.

“Upon my appointment as Minister of Human Services seven months ago, I pledged to change the province’s laws that govern what information can be shared about the tragic deaths of children in care.

“As I have often said, I believe we must empower those who are closest to these children to speak or not to speak. It is their right as human beings.  If we do not have the right to speak up about justice as individuals then we have taken away too much.

“Whether it was at our two-day roundtable in January or through a unanimous vote in the legislature, the broad consensus was that the publication ban must be lifted.  Yesterday, Bill 11 was proclaimed and the ban no longer exists.

“I believe it is a basic right of each and every one of us to express grief publicly. This decision is not one for the government to make; it is one for those closest to the child to make.

“I believe the media will act in an ethical and thoughtful manner when reporting on this type of story. No doubt editors and reporters will exercise due diligence, check the facts and make the right decision when it comes to deciding if a story is in the public interest.

“There is a legal process currently in place for any person, including families with children in care to apply for a publication ban with the courts.  Families will need to use this existing process until the quicker, simpler process envisioned by the Act can be refined through the work of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities to make it easier for families to apply. I am committed to supporting their work.”