PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
*************************
Today Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women's Issues, issued the following update on the ministry's operational review of the York Region Children's Aid Society:
"On July 31, 2020, our government announced the launch of an operational review of the York Region Children's Aid Society in response to several troubling allegations of racism, bullying and harassment. Our government has no tolerance for racism, discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. These allegations are deeply troubling, and we take this matter very seriously.
We have selected an external, third-party agency with expertise in human resource concerns to help the York Region Children's Aid Society fully address these issues.
The government has retained Agree Incorporated to carry out an assessment of the society's workplace culture and human resource policies and procedures. Agree Incorporated has extensive experience conducting workplace evaluations, assessments and cultural audits and will support the ministry's review of the society's operations. The analysis will also consider the impact on services to ensure the children, youth and families of York Region continue to receive the supports they need.
While this work is taking place, our focus remains on the well-being of the children, youth and families who rely on the York Region Children's Aid Society, and of the staff who support them. I want to assure the residents of York Region that we are committed to full transparency and ensuring these matters are thoroughly addressed.
The operational review, including the findings of the assessment and recommendations for action, will be made publicly available by York Region Children's Aid Society once complete."
*************************