Child and Youth Advocate Suspended

The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, President of Treasury Board, today announced that in accordance with the Child and Youth Advocate Act, the current advocate has been suspended with pay. Effective immediately, former Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador John Rorke, has been appointed interim advocate.

�The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate plays a vitally important role in protecting the vulnerable children and youth of Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Kennedy. �Serious concerns have been expressed and brought to cabinet by the Speaker of the House of Assembly regarding the proper functioning of the office, including external investigations about the office and concerns about the work environment. It is important that we take immediate action to allow the work of the office to continue in an appropriate manner.�

To ensure that children are protected and properly represented, Interim Advocate John Rorke will continue with the various ongoing investigations of the office as he deems appropriate.

�The Child and Youth Advocate Act outlines the important mandate of the office,� said Minister Kennedy. �I have complete confidence that Mr. Rorke will carry out the mandate and ensure that the rights of children and youth of Newfoundland and Labrador are protected and their interests are served in the best manner possible.�

- 30 -

Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 685-2646
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

Biography � John Rorke
Since becoming a lawyer over 30 years ago, John Rorke has had a keen interest in the criminal law process in Newfoundland and Labrador. He practiced criminal law privately for five years, before accepting an appointment as Crown attorney with the province in 1981.

Mr. Rorke has appeared before all levels of courts in the province, as well as numerous administrative boards. He was twice elected bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador by the other members of the legal profession.

Mr. Rorke was appointed a judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1989, and served in that capacity, including youth court, until his recent retirement.

While a judge he was elected President of the Newfoundland Provincial Judges� Association, and represented this province�s judges on the Executive Board of the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges. Until his recent appointment, Mr. Rorke was Commissioner of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission.

2009 08 21                                      9:20 a.m.