December 30, 2016

Ms. Sophie Kiwala
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children and Youth Services
56 Wellesley Street West
15th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S3

Dear Ms. Kiwala:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide me in this crucial role. I welcome you to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both ministry and overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

The mandate letter I received in September from Premier Wynne sets out my specific priorities as minister for the coming two years. Parliamentary assistants play a key role in meeting these priorities and in helping put our government’s plan into action.

Our ministry envisions an Ontario where all children and youth have the best opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential. We work with government and community partners to develop and implement policies, programs and a service system that helps give children the best possible start in life, prepare youth to become productive adults and make it easier for families to access the services they need at all stages of a child’s development.

As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children and Youth Services, your specific responsibilities include:

  • Supporting efforts to transform the child welfare and family services sector in order to improve outcomes for children and youth and families.
  • Supporting the work underway with Indigenous partners, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, to implement the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy, focusing on co-developing culturally appropriate services and working towards the recognition of jurisdiction and control.
  • Engaging with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous partners and youth to explore community based project opportunities that support employment and skills development for Indigenous youth.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our ministry’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

The Honourable Michael Coteau
Minister of Children and Youth Services