This submission is in response to the Discussion Paper from the Department of Health and Social Services regarding the proposed Child and Youth Advocate Act. The discussion paper seeks feedback on the "made in Yukon model" proposed for a Child and Youth Advocate.

The Yukon Ombudsman provided input into the discussion regarding changes to the Corrections Act. The function of the Ombudsman, as it relates to Community and Correctional Services and Whitehorse Correctional Centre, is to investigate and bring to resolution individual complaints. The Ombudsman's office has responsibility to review and make recommendations on policies and procedures associated with individual complaints to ensure that systemic areas of concern are properly identified and addressed.

The Yukon Ombudsman wrote to all Members of the House to advise them of a number of concerns she had regarding Bill 50, the Child and Family Services Act, and the implications for the protection of privacy and access to information contained in that proposed legislation.