It’s simple: the interest of the child!

First, let’s agree on one thing: Quebec’s willingness to quickly implement the recommendations of the Special Commission on Children’s Rights and Youth Protection is to be welcomed.

The commission in question – skilfully led by Régine Laurent – ​​published an excellent report last year. Subsequently, the CAQ government reacted promptly by tabling Bill 15, which has been the subject of consultations in the National Assembly since last week.

Let us also agree on the fact that this bill responds to several of the commission’s recommendations. Régine Laurent confirmed this during her testimony.

We start by telling you all this and you probably see us coming with our big clogs… After the flowers, the pot: the bill is good, but it is imperative to improve and improve it.

That too has been unanimous since the beginning of the consultations.

At the heart of the discussions, a concept that has been the subject of intense debate for many years: the interest of the child.

For example, in the current version of the law, it is specified (in article 3) that all decisions must be made “in the interests of the child”. However, it is added (in article 4) that they must “tend to maintain the child in his family environment”.

However, this last article has been the source of many deviations. As a result, the decisions taken often go against the best interests of the child.

Many network players and experts have been denouncing this situation for many years. And many have said that the bill remains too ambiguous on the issue, including Régine Laurent and psychologist Camil Bouchard.

For once the opportunity to rectify the situation arises, it should not be wasted.

Yet this is what Minister Lionel Carmant would do if the bill were adopted as is.

It would be silly to throw in the towel as he is about to cross the finish line.

It depends on the nature of his legacy.

He will also want to address the other weaknesses in the bill that were highlighted during testimony.

Among other things: the fact that nothing substantial enough has been planned so that a young person followed by youth protection is not left to fend for himself as soon as he turns 18. Also: the recklessness that is still shown regarding the demands of the indigenous communities, who are demanding more autonomy.

The train of change will not return for a long time. And if it is true that it is imperative to act quickly, it should not however be done by cutting corners.

It should also be noted that experts have warned the minister that passing the bill alone will not remedy the current crisis.

Lionel Carmant knows it. But it is important to repeat it in the hope that action will be taken sooner rather than later: the other recommendations of the Laurent commission must not be forgotten. Starting with the appointment of a Commissioner for Children’s Welfare and Rights.

Oh, and allow us one last piece of advice for Minister Carmant: please hurry up and invite the group of 20 directors of youth protection (DPJ) to the parliamentary committee.

They have met with you, but also wish to speak publicly during the examination of the bill – the consultations end this week.

This legislation affects them directly. They have a responsibility to ensure the protection of children and their ideas deserve to be heard.

“We have to give ourselves the means so that this extraordinary opportunity is not a missed opportunity! “, they wrote about the bill, making known in a press release some of their proposals to improve it.

Maybe we should listen to them too!