FREDERICTON — New Brunswick legislators agreed Friday to hold hearings on systemic failures within the province’s child welfare system.
The hearings are in response to a report from the youth advocate that severely criticized the Social Development Department in the overdose death of a teenager.
Kelly Lamrock, the advocate, said the 16-year-old’s death last year could have been prevented had the system acted with more humanity.
Members unanimously approved the Liberal motion to direct the legislature’s social policy committee to hold hearings within 30 days on the youth protection system.
Social Development Minister Cindy Miles says she accepted all the recommendations in Lamrock’s report and would be working to enact changes.
Glen Savoie, the Progressive Conservative leader, said he backed the effort but hopes the government will allow the opposition to call witnesses in what he described as a “never again” moment to avoid future similar advocate reports.
During a lengthy and heated back-and-forth in the legislature, Savoie pushed the Liberals to ensure there were immediate accountability measures beyond an internal review.
All parties agreed to work together on a transparent process to examine Lamrock’s findings and implement necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2026.
Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press
