CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Premier Wade MacLauchlan has announced the creation of a new advocate for children and youth.
MacLauchlan announced on Friday he would name Michele Dorsey, the current deputy minister of Environment, Labour and Justice, to the position.
“The new Children’s Commissioner and Advocate and the Office for Children and Youth is a significant cross-governmental undertaking to build a bright, healthy, prosperous future for young Islanders,” said MacLauchlan in a news release. “Because of our interconnectedness, Prince Edward Island is in a unique position to make timely and impactful change that will set up Islanders and future generations for success.”
In her role as the children’s commissioner and advocate, Dorsey will serve as the voice of Island children and youth. She will be tasked with coordinating government and community activities to ensure that programs and services for children and their families are responsive, flexible and developmentally centered.
Dorsey was appointed to the position on Jan. 1. Prior to this appointment, she held deputy minister roles with the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Department of Communities, Land and Environment.
The Office for Youth and Children’s responsibilities will include:
- Championing the rights of children
- Ensuring the voice of children and youth are represented in policy and programs
- Supporting families in navigating programs and services
- Streamlining and improving government programs and services
- Enhancing further collaborations between community and government
