Turpel-Lafond reappointed B.C. children's watchdog

A former Saskatchewan judge who's often been a thorn in the side of the B.C. government over child welfare issues has been given a second five-year term as B.C.'s child watchdog.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond was reappointed Tuesday as the Representative for Children and Youth after a unanimous recommendation from a special legislative committee.

"She has proven with tenacity and with diligence and with never losing sight of what the mandate is, that she has a constructive contribution to make," said Liberal MLA Colin Hansen, the committee chair.

Turpel-Lafond has often blasted the B.C. government for failing to hand over files or follow through on recommendations to prevent the death and injury of children in government care.

Just last month she said a $6 million court award for children who were abused for years by their parents was a clear message that improvements are needed in B.C.'s child welfare system.

Turpel-Lafond was first appointed as children's representative in 2006.