NDP calls on Ford Government to prevent deaths of vulnerable children under its care

TORONTO – NDP Shadow Minister for Children, Community and Social Services Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) and Shadow Minister for Women's Social and Economic Opportunity with responsibility for Ontario Autism Program Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park) issued the following statement following the tragic death of a girl in the care of Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex:

“Jade’s story is heartbreaking, and this is not an isolated case,” said Gretzky. “What happened to Jade is the result of cuts to essential health and mental health services, the lack of timely access to developmental supports, and the elimination of oversight like the Provincial Child and Youth Advocate. The Conservatives have taken every step to avoid accountability and to delay action while families and children are paying the devastating price. This is what happens when you ignore the warning signs before a crisis hits.”

“One child every three days is dying in Ontario’s care networks,” added Gilmour. “Over one hundred of them passed away in 2023. These are not just numbers on a ledger. These were children with dreams of a future free from trauma. They died in the Government’s care.”

“If this Government is willing to spend billions for fantasy tunnels, they can afford to give child welfare agencies the support they need to save the lives of our most vulnerable children. Agencies have been sounding the alarm for years and are being forced to house children in hotels, motels, and Airbnbs—places that are not fit for children to call home. We will continue to lose more children like Jade unless the Ford government does something about it.”

“Firing the youth advocate and shutting down that office was about avoiding scrutiny and accountability -- plain and simple. We are demanding real investment in services that prevent families from being pushed to the edge,” said MPP Gretzky.

Both MPP Gilmour and MPP Gretzky are calling on the province to reinstate Ontario’s Independent Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, a critical voice for vulnerable young populations in care.