The commissioners
Régine Laurent, president of the Special Commission on the Rights of the Child and Youth Protection
Nurse, past president of the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec – FIQ
“To make certain that we never again fail a child in distress: that is the mission I have set myself as the head of this commission.
“I see this mandate as a duty. We must do everything in our power to rebuild public confidence in the Direction de la Protection de la Jeunesse (DPJ, or Youth Protection Branch) which, at the time of its creation, was a groundbreaker in its field.
“To the workers on the ground, to the organizations that offer help and support, to all of you facing painful situations in your daily lives: this commission gives you an opportunity to be heard, in strict confidence, on behalf of children, youth and families. It’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and put forward solutions.
“Along with all those who in good faith will put their expertise wholeheartedly at the service of the Commission, vulnerable children, youth and families can hope for a better future.”
André Lebon, vice-president
Consultant in charge of the reorganization of youth services and cultural adaptation of services for youth in difficulty at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, and consultant in private practice
“Having been involved with youth in difficulty in Québec for 50 years, my participation in the Commission gives me an opportunity to use my experience to improve our system of assistance for families and children. Improve, yet without neglecting what has been achieved, and with the greatest respect for the efforts of social workers, whom we must provide with an environment that enables them to support people with the intensity and continuity needed to ensure the success of their interventions.”
Michel Rivard, vice-president
Judge at the Tribunal administratif du Québec
Attorney at the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse from 1990 to 2015
Lecturer at the Université de Montréal and the University of Ottawa (Youth Protection Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act)
“I want to make a real difference in the lives of children who need help and protection. The Commission is giving me an opportunity to do just that by making meaningful changes to the youth protection system.”
Hélène David, commissioner
MLA for Marguerite-Bourgeoys
“I have devoted a large part of my career to the issues of parental competence and psychological distress. Participating in this commission means helping to make Québec a society in which all our children can grow up and live with respect and with human dignity.”
Andrés Fontecilla, commissioner
MLA for Laurier-Dorion
“A society should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. I hope this commission will examine all aspects of our youth protection system, including prevention, so that we can become a society that truly takes care of its young people and children. I plan to devote every effort necessary to achieve this.”
Gilles Fortin, commissioner
Honorary member of Centre hospitalier Sainte-Justine
“In my 25 years of medical practice as a clinician, I devoted much effort to the issue of child abuse. With this experience behind me, I have no other wish than to contribute to the review of the Youth Protection Act—and of measures to help children before they fall under the purview of the Act.”
Jean Simon Gosselin, commissioner
General Counsel, Centre jeunesse de Québec – Institut Universitaire until 2014
“My wish is to see an agile, diligent and effective protection and assistance system for children and young people. To bring this about, we will need to be bold and demonstrate courage.”
Lesley Hill, commissioner
Director, Youth Program, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
“Nothing is more noble than helping children grow and achieve their dreams. The measure of a just society is the way it treats its children. Like many others, I was appalled by the tragedy that occurred in Québec on April 30, and I will spare no effort to make a difference for infants, children and young people, who are and will always be the future of our society.”
Lise Lavallée, commissioner
MLA for Repentigny
“For me, my involvement in the Commission is a logical progression from my commitment in recent years to ending the sexual exploitation of minors, a scourge that sadly affects too many young people. I am proud to be able to contribute to the work of tightening the safety net of youth protection so that our young people can grow up in an environment marked by love, respect and dignity. All of Québec will reap the benefits of this increased caring for our youth.”
Jean-Marc Potvin, commissioner
Associate President and Chief Executive Officer, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
“The cause of youth protection, child development and support for families has been the backdrop and the common thread of my entire professional engagement and career. I have espoused this cause. I applaud the creation of the Commission and its mandate. I feel not only a duty but above all a profound desire to play a part in it.”
Lorraine Richard
MLA for Duplessis
“This commission must enable us to review our methods regarding both youth protection and prevention. My commitment will be total. We must have a guarantee that our children—all our children—can grow up with confidence and enjoy a better future.”
Danielle Tremblay
Youth Protection Director, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean until 2016
“The cause of children has been at the heart of my personal and professional commitment throughout my life. I am pursuing this commitment so that I can contribute to providing all children with living conditions in which they can thrive and develop. Since they are the future of Québec, let us make caring for our children OUR project for society.”