‘We need accountability’: foster parents, advocates rally for action at legislature

Foster parents and advocates gathered at Manitoba's legislature on Friday, demanding action to address the abuse and death of children in care. Donna Dumas, a former foster parent of a child with special needs, highlighted the Aug. 9 death of a four-year-old girl in care on Long Plain First Nation, along with the hospitalization of two of the girl's sisters.

Family reunification advocate Cheryl Wozniak criticized the NDP government for failing to hold workers accountable for the ongoing failures of the system. Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced a directive to ensure children's needs and safety are addressed, but Dumas expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures.

Denise Pruden, a grandmother from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, called for more oversight of child welfare agencies, emphasizing that children's well-being should not be secondary to funding considerations. Premier Wab Kinew acknowledged that child deaths have decreased since his government took office, but the challenge remains significant.

He pledged to address the issue as a priority, highlighting recent initiatives like a universal school nutrition program and upcoming curriculum changes focused on fitness, diet, and health.