RE: Death of Chantelle Williams
I write to you concerning todayâs report from CBC News relating to the tragic and disturbing death of Chantelle Williams on January 28th in Port Alberni. According to the report, Chantelle was in the care of Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services when she died. Dr. Charlesworth has stated that her office cannot undertake a formal investigation into Chantelleâs death for at least a year, or until the B.C. Coroners Service and other authorities â⯠including your ministry â have completed their inquiries. At the same time, Minister, you have refused to comment on Chantelleâs death because of confidentiality. But Chantelle is dead and her surviving family are calling out for answers. Only 9 of the 72 recommendations from the RCY have been implemented to date, and 103 children died while receiving care from MCFD last year, according to the RCY Annual Report. The deaths of children in care, particularly Indigenous children, are a widespread and systemic problem, and myself and the public demand answers – how is this happening, and what are we going to do about it? I ask that you meet with me, at your earliest opportunity, so we can find answers for the family and justice for Chantelle. Yours sincerely,
Amelia Boultbee MLA
Penticton-Summerland
Conservative Critic for Children and Family Development