News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 23, 2016

Manitoba Government Highlights Proposed Legislation That Would Help Protect Children in Care at Information Session



The Manitoba government provided an information session regarding recently introduced proposed legislation which would allow service providers such as those with child and family services (CFS), police and schools to better share information when it is in the best interests of the child, Premier Brian Pallister announced.   He was joined by Families Minister Scott Fielding, Sheldon Kennedy and Manitoba service providers at an event held at Snowflake Place For Children and Youth earlier today. 

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Manitoba children receive the supports they need,” said Pallister.  “Creating an environment in which service providers are able to collaborate and better share critical information in the best interests of each individual child, is integral to improving services and to delivering better outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens.” 

The proposed protecting children (information sharing) act would allow information to be shared about children in need of supportive services.  These would include:

  • children in care of child and family services or those receiving voluntary CFS services;
  • school children in need of an individual education plan;
  • children who require disability services, mental health services, addiction services or victim support services; and
  • children in the youth criminal justice system. 

Information could also be disclosed about their parent or guardian.  This approach would allow information to be shared in a more timely and effective manner, the premier noted.  

“We are committed to further engaging with families and working to ensure they are active participants in the planning process,” said Fielding.  “This new legislation would allow agencies and organizations to share critical information and would recognize that timely sharing of information among sectors can play a critical role in protecting at-risk children.” 

This proposed legislation would authorize organizations and others who provide services to at-risk children to collect, use and disclose personal information or personal health information.  This would be in addition to information covered by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Act.  However, a service provider would not be able disclose more information than is strictly necessary, Fielding noted. 

“In Alberta, legislation allows agencies with the mandate of protecting kids to share information.  This has resulted in reduced administrative burden, created shared accountability and allows us to work in a more effective and efficient way,” said Sheldon Kennedy, lead director, the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.  “Manitoba agencies will be able to place a priority on early intervention and prevention to deliver better outcomes for our most vulnerable children and their families as a result of the proposed legislation.” 

The premier noted this proposed bill responds to a key recommendation made by Commissioner Ted Hughes in the inquiry report on the death of Phoenix Sinclair. 

Information on the proposed protecting children (information sharing) act is available at:
web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/41-1/b008e.php

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