Honourable June Draude, Minister
of Social Services

On November 9, 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that a comprehensive review of child welfare will be undertaken in the province. This landmark review will go well beyond an examination of the relevant provincial legislation. It will include all aspects of child welfare in Saskatchewan, including fostering, adoption, child protection and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. 

Stakeholders will be engaged by an independent panel chaired by former Minister of Social Services and current Saskatoon city councilor and human services consultant Bob Pringle. Other panel members are Howard Cameron of Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation, April Durocher of Saskatoon (originally from Ile-à-la-Crosse), and Carol Skelton of Harris. The membership of the independent child welfare review panel reflects the diversity of views in Saskatchewan, including First Nations, Métis, rural, urban and youth perspectives. We expect the panel’s final report and recommendations in fall 2010. I am confident that their consultations and recommendations will provide the foundation for a new direction for child welfare in Saskatchewan.

I am honoured to have the confidence of Minister Harpauer to chair this review and tackle the challenges of child welfare in Saskatchewan. Extensive consultations with First Nations and Métis organizations and with other child welfare stakeholders will be an integral part of the review process. These consultations will take place in spring 2010, and our panel will provide recommendations in fall 2010 for the government's consideration. My panel colleagues and I look forward to engaging with the people of Saskatchewan as we begin this journey together. We are united in our resolve to help ensure that this reivew lays the groundwork for significant, lasting change and better outcomes for vulnerable children and families across Saskatchewan.