Speaker Harvey Hodder wishes to confirm that he has received a letter of resignation and retirement from Child and Youth Advocate, Mr. Lloyd Wicks, effective March 31, 2005.

Mr. Wicks has also agreed to compensate the Treasury for funds identified in the Auditor General�s Report as inappropriately charged to travel costs.

The Speaker will place Mr. Wicks� letter on the agenda at the Thursday, February 10 meeting of the Internal Economy Commission, with a recommendation for acceptance.

The retirement date of March 31 will facilitate the completion of the Turner Child Death Review and the publication of the Report thereto.

The Speaker thanks Mr. Wicks for his role in the establishment of the Child and Youth Advocate�s Office and wishes to assure the public that every effort will be made to facilitate a satisfactory transition until a new Advocate can be appointed.

Media contact: Harvey Hodder, Speaker of the House of Assembly, (709) 729-3404

2005 02 09                         12:15 p.m.