Our Recommendations for the Position of Commissioner for Children's Welfare and Rights

FFARIQ's memoir on Bill no. 37, An Act respecting the Commissioner for Children's Welfare and Rights, was tabled on February 7.

This bill is inspired by the recommendations of the Report of the Special Commission on Children's Rights and Youth Protection (Laurent Commission) made public in April 2021.

We firmly believe that what must prevail is the best interests of the child. Accordingly, here are the main points of our remarks and recommendations:

• Establish a true Commissioner for Children's Welfare and Rights, reflecting the spirit of the Laurent Commission's recommendation that all of the CDPDJ's protective powers be transferred to this Commissioner, to enable the effective promotion and defence of children's rights within the children's structure. This commissioner must be entirely and exclusively dedicated to children, autonomous, independent, and involved. He or she must also have real power to curb catastrophic situations for children who are voiceless or have their rights denied.
• Adopt a charter of children's rights to clearly reaffirm the fundamental nature of children's rights, to set down in law certain principles derived from them, and to recognize that children have the right to grow up in a biological or foster family and in a caring environment.

Reminding us that the youth protection system is failing, our memoir reminded us of the central role played by foster families, and emphasized that it's not enough to implement laws, regulations, and policies. The Commissioner's role must also be as powerful, proactive, and comprehensive as possible, in the best interests of all Quebec's children.

To read the press release The FFARIQ calls for an autonomous, independent and involved child protector :

Press release

You can consult the memoir by downloading the following document:

Bill 37 memoir