Right on.
Background
Mr. Speaker, during the Standing Committee on Social Program's review of Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act, Members heard from a number of northerners who expressed concerns about the current act and its application.
We would like to thank all of the presenters in the communities of Yellowknife, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok, Colville Lake and Behchoko who took the time to make their concerns known to committee.
In addition to the feedback during the hearings on Bill 5, committee members, in meeting the day-to-day needs of their constituents, regularly deal with families whose lives are being dictated by provisions of the Child and Family Services Act.
There is nothing in this report, by way of recommendation, that will detract from the primary task of the child protection worker, which is to protect our children from physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
The recommendations and discussions in this report focus on strengthening existing child protection practices and ensuring that all provisions contained in the Child and Family Services Act are implemented and utilized in all communities in the Northwest Territories.
Need For Consistency In Utilizing Translation Services
Mr. Speaker, the committee understands that the primary consideration is the safety of the child and that it may not always be possible to have translation available when removing a child from a dangerous situation. The committee is not suggesting any delay in removing a child from a dangerous situation because of the availability of a translator.
During our hearings in Yellowknife on Bill 5, we heard from Mr. Brad Enge, a lawyer in private practice, who expressed his concern about people who come into contact with a child protection worker not always having access to translators and sometimes signing documents, like plan of care agreements, without really understanding what they are signing.
Mr. Yakeleya also had recent experience with a constituent whose dealings regarding her child's apprehension were exacerbated by her limited English skills and not having access to translation during crucial stages of the apprehension process.
Just after the introduction of Bill 5 by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Yakeleya had the opportunity to question Minister Roland about the need to make sure that parents understand and have the process explained to them in their own language. Minister Roland replied that the offer is made to the parents whenever the department gets involved.
Mr. Speaker, what may be missing from the process is some understanding of the cultural and emotional factors that may lead someone to decline translation services, when in fact they do need such services.
The development of local child and family services committees would be a valuable resource for child protection workers in making sure that parents understand the process and what is expected of them when they sign a plan of care agreement. This will be commented on later in this report.
Mr. Speaker, the committee would like assurances from the department that child protection workers are trained to be sensitive to the emotional state, and also be aware of the cultural factors, that may lead a person to decline needed translation services and, wherever there is doubt, err on the side of caution and provide translation services.
Recommendation
Mr. Speaker, the committee recommends that the existing practice of offering translation services be continued, and that child protection workers be required to take into account the emotional state and the cultural background of a person being offered translation services, and, when there is any doubt, provide the necessary translation services as a matter of course.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask the deputy chair of the committee, Mr. Yakeleya, to continue with the report. Thank you.