Layoffs could mean children and youth’s calls for help go unanswered

This morning, AMAPCEO learned that the Office of the Ombudsman does not intend to continue the advocacy function of the Ontario Child Advocate, and that as a result, as many as 45 front-line positions serving vulnerable children and youth could be eliminated.

This news will leave Ontario as the only province in Canada that does not provide dedicated advocacy services to children and youth at risk.

“Staff at the Ontario Child Advocate—talented and dedicated public service professionals—stand with our province’s young people and give many voice when they need it most,” said AMAPCEO President Dave Bulmer. “These changes will mean young people’s calls for help will go unanswered.”

“Ontario already has far fewer public servants than any other province in Canada, based on population," Bulmer said. "The elimination of these good jobs will affect us all.”

AMAPCEO will join other Ontarians in calling on the government to protect the vital advocacy work of the Ontario Child Advocate. Work on this is already underway.

“AMAPCEO believes everyone deserves someone in their corner at work,” said Bulmer. “We’re proud that, for our members, that’s us. We will do whatever is within our power to protect our members through the provisions of our collective agreement and the law, and to advocate to the government that this vital service be protected.”