BackThe Quebec Ombudsman (Canada) has released two investigation reports – one on the organization of emergency response services for off-road accidents, and the other on the financial contribution of parents towards the cost of placing their child of minor age.
The organization of emergency response services for off-road accidents
Quebec covers a vast area, a major portion of which is off the transportation and telecommunications grid, which makes any emergency response more complex. The Quebec Ombudsman conducted a systemic investigation into this issue further to a complaint from a citizen. It concluded that better organization of off-road emergency response services is needed in order to improve the quality and accessibility thereof. It therefore recommended that the government departments concerned reorganize these services, in particular to oblige ambulance technicians to act off-road from now on. The complete report is available in French on the Quebec Ombudsman's website.
The financial contribution towards the placement of children
Between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011, 20,623 children were lodged in substitute environments in Quebec (foster families, youth centres), notably because their parents could not take care of them. The government assumes the cost of the children’s placement, but the parents are required to contribute financially towards part of the cost of their child’s room and board. The Quebec Ombudsman fully endorses the idea of the importance of maintaining parent responsibility during placement and does not question this financial contribution. However, further to a systemic investigation, it noted disparities in the way the financial contribution is administered from one youth centre to another. It therefore made recommendations to the government departments concerned, notably in order to harmonize practices. The complete report is available in French on the Quebec Ombudsman's website.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman of Quebec
