By The Canadian Press

Standoff over panel on children in care

Dec 14, 2016 | 7:11 AM

EDMONTON – An Alberta legislature panel looking at ways to keep children safe in government care has morphed into a standoff between parties on both sides of the aisle.

Leaders of the four opposition parties say they will boycott the panel unless Premier Rachel Notley’s government gives it the tools to get at the root of the problem.

They also say the minister in charge, Irfan Sabir, needs to excuse himself from the panel because some recent problems are tied to him.

Tory interim leader Ric McIver says it’s like Sabir is the one on trial, yet’s he’s part of the judge and jury.

The opposition leader want a commitment to an open process, protection for those who come forward from being punished in the workplace for speaking out, and they want Sabir to testify.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The NDP says the panel will begin its work soon, with or without the opposition.

Sabir and Notley announced the panel after it was revealed through media reports and the child and youth advocate that there had been little action for two years on the death of a four-year-old girl named Serenity.

—

(The Canadian Press)