House of Assembly
December 13, 2016

New Child and Youth Advocate Appointed

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Speaker of the House of Assembly, today announced the appointment of Ms. Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh as the new Child and Youth Advocate, effective December 16, 2016.

“The Child and Youth Advocate plays a critical role in representing the rights, interests and viewpoints of children and youth who are entitled to receive services and access programs provided by the government of this province. Jackie’s experience in executive administration, post-secondary teaching, counselling, advocacy, research, and community development will be a valuable asset to this office. I wish her well as she assumes her new role.”
- The Honourable Tom Osborne, Speaker of the House of Assembly

Speaker Osborne extends sincere thanks to Ms. Carol Chafe for her service as the Child and Youth Advocate since 2010 and wishes her well in future endeavours.

The appointment of Ms. Lake Kavanagh was confirmed by resolution of the House of Assembly on December 12, 2016, as per Section 4 of the Child and Youth Advocate Act.

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Media contact:

Marie Keefe Policy and Communications Officer House of Assembly 709-729-6943 mariekeefe@gov.nl.ca

BIOGRAPHY

Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh

Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh has served as Assistant Deputy Minister most recently with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and prior to that served four years as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Public Safety and Enforcement Branch, Department of Justice and Public Safety. With the Department of Justice, she has also worked as Director of Policy and Strategic Planning, Director of Family Justice Services and Director of the Aboriginal Research Unit. She was originally hired with government to establish the Victim Services Program. Jackie has developed and taught courses in the School of Social Work, Criminology Certificate Program, and Police Studies Degree Program. Prior to working with government, Jackie worked with community agencies such as the St. John’s Women’s Centre, Iris Kirby House, and the Adolescent Health Counselling Service.

Ms. Lake Kavanagh holds a Master of Social Work degree, a Bachelor of Social Work degree, a Certificate in Criminology, and has completed Memorial’s Certificate in Executive Development.

2016 12 13                              10:55 a.m.