December 15, 2011 - Mr. Speaker, I wish to update Members about a new office within the Department of Justice; the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.

Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Canada ratified in 1991, children have a right to be heard in proceedings affecting them. Canada has a legal obligation to ensure the provisions of the Convention are met, yet very few jurisdictions in Canada have a system to offer independent counsel to children in legal proceedings affecting them to ensure their voices are heard.

In October of this year, the Department of Justice opened the first Office of the Children’s Lawyer, working under the Public Trustee.  This office delivers quality legal services for children in child protection proceedings and custody and access disputes. These legal services will provide supports to children in emotionally stressful and intimidating settings.

The Office of the Children’s Lawyer is establishing a roster of family lawyers who will represent children. The office is coordinating training for these lawyers to ensure children are receiving the specialized, quality representation they deserve.

Last month, the office received its first clients and by month’s end, ten children were being represented in situations ranging from custody disputes to permanent custody applications by the Director of Children and Family Services.

In the new fiscal year, we will be evaluating the possibility of providing professional assessments of children and families to assist the Court in making decisions about the best interests of children.

The Children’s Lawyer will be travelling to NWT communities to meet with children, attend Court, and make the community aware of these new services.

We are pleased with the progress of this office and support taking concrete steps to ensure children’s best interests will be properly represented.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.