ALBERTA ‘TREASURY BOARD AND FINANCE President of the Teasury Board and Minister of Finance MLA, Mest Yellowhead February 12, 2015 Letter to the Editor The recent public commentary about funding for the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is missing critical facts, and leaves the impression that our Government is not concerned about protecting children at risk. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Advocate and his office provide valuable advocacy services for young Albertans. | have the highest respect and appreciation for the Advocate and the work he and his staff do for young Albertans and their families. They are valued advisors and partners in the important work of protecting Alberta's vulnerable children. The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate has seen its budget grow from $11 milion in 2012-13 to more than $13 million next year. It now has a complement of 60 employees. As with all offices of the Legislature, itis set for a modest two per cent budget reduction — which can reasonably be achieved by reducing administrative overhead and eliminating extra expenses such as new furniture, outside consultants conferences, and staff retreats. Reductions like these do not deter from core responsibilities of protecting children and young Albertans. Alberta's financial reality has changed and we all must change with it. We cannot control the price of oil, but we can keep our spending in check. Difficult choices are being made across Government, and the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate must similarly work to prioritize front line services while minimizing administrative costs. Child and Youth Advocate offices operate right across Canada, managing to do their work with less money than their Alberta counterparts. In 2014, the budget for British Columbia's Child Advocate was $8 million, while the Child Advocate in Ontario has a budget of $7.7 million. Ontario has three times the population of Alberta. Going forward, the people of Alberta should expect the Advocate to focus on the critical systemic reviews and investigations that will garner concrete recommendations that contribute to system improvements. The Ministry of Human Services will continue to provide the Advocate and his staff with appropriate support and access to information as they conduct their independent work. 12Neither the Advocate’s nor the Government's mandates and effectiveness need be impacted by this very reasonable budget request. It is unfair and incorrect for any officer of the Legislature to give the impression that it will. By working together we can ensure that we deliver the best services across all of Alberta in a way that prioritizes the needs of our children, while ensuring ongoing respect and attention to our bottom line. Sincerely, Robin Campbell President of Treasury Board Minister of Finance