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EXCERPTS
Re: Wrong message on child care
Carol Goar is correct that as the new Minister of Children and Youth Services I have big shoes to fill. Dr. Marie Bountrogianni did an outstanding job advocating on behalf of Ontario children and laying the groundwork for a new ministry that focuses exclusively on children and youth.
In my term as Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, I successfully worked with our education partners to revive the system with the single largest investment in post-secondary education in 40 years. I will take the same vigour and sense of purpose to my new responsibilities as Minister of Children and Youth Services.
While Goar's column highlighted my experience in the business, university and health sectors, I also have several years of experience with the United Way locally and nationally - including my term as chair of the United Way of Canada, several years of involvement with programs for youth and specific work in early childhood education in Jamaica. All of this experience will help guide me in my new role.
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services brings together the three key priorities of the McGuinty government health, education and our economic well-being. The Premier has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the precious lives of our children and youth by giving them the best start possible.
- reprinted from the Toronto Star