The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House that we have launched our Adult Protection Act engagement process and to encourage residents to provide input on this important legislation. This process is part of the five-year statutory review of our province’s adult protection legislation and is the first review since this Act was proclaimed on June 30, 2014.

The purpose of the Adult Protection Act, Mr. Speaker, is to protect adults who are at risk of abuse and neglect and who do not understand or appreciate that risk.

The engagement process, which was developed in consultation with our Public Engagement and Planning Division, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, includes in-person dialogue sessions and meetings. These sessions are providing targeted key stakeholders, such as managers and frontline staff of the Regional Health Authorities and the police, with the opportunity to share their input and perspectives on the Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is critical that we also hear from the general public, who can visit www.engagenl.ca to complete a feedback form on the legislation by December 18, 2019. People can also call toll free 1-888-494-2266. Further, staff of Children, Seniors and Social Development are available to meet with anyone interested in providing input.

Mr. Speaker, the Adult Protection Act engagement process will gather valuable information and perspectives and raise public awareness about adult protection and the legal obligation we all have to report suspected adult abuse and neglect. I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to contribute.

Thank you.