Turpel-Lafond to oversee children's services in B.C.

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Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond will leave the Saskatchewan provincial court bench in February to act as British Columbia's new child and youth representative, overseeing the province's child protection system.

The position of representative for children and youth was created in response to a report that found the existing child protection system in the province deeply flawed. The report by retired judge and former B.C. conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes was prompted by the death of 19-month-old Sherry Charlie, who was beaten to death by her uncle after being placed in his care.

In her new role, Turpel-Lafond will be an independent officer of the legislature who will advocate on behalf of children and families, monitor public agencies and investigate the cases of children who die while in care.

"She's the right person at the right time. Not only does Judge Turpel-Lafond have outstanding qualifications, she has a deep understanding of the Aboriginal community," said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit Political Executive in B.C.

Turpel-Lafond has been a Saskatchewan judge since 1998. A member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, she is the first treaty Indian and the first Aboriginal woman to serve on the Saskatchewan court bench. She was also named one of the top 20 Canadian leaders for the 21st century by Time magazine in 1999. She attended Carleton University where she obtained a bachelor of arts degree, then earned a law degree from Osgood Hall, a master's degree in international law from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate of law from Harvard.

"We look forward to having a constructive and positive working relationship with Judge Turpel-Lafond in her role as an advocate for children and families in B.C.," said John in a press release.