During Question period recently The Pas MLA Amanda Lathlin addressed cutting costs to the child welfare system.

 

Lathlin said that funding was blocked without working with agencies and partners in the child welfare system and they have heard from many leaderships and agencies that are concerned with how they will deal with increasing costs in the future.

 

Minister of Families’ Heather Stefanson responded by saying quote “We have heard loud and clear from communities access the province and that the perverse incentivization of the apprehension of children based on the previous funding model is not working.

 

She added that they will continue to ensure that the funding is there for the children who need it the most. Lathlin pointed out that the Child and Families Services newcomer Unit was cut even though it helped newcomers to the province through complex situations to ensure that their families stayed together.

 

When Lathlin asked if the newcomer unit would be reinstated Stefanson said they care very deeply about new comers to our province and they will ensure that resources are there for newcomers when they arrive.