Quebec's new head of youth protection aims to 'rebuild our services'

Quebec has selected a new leader to oversee youth protection services, with the goal of reforming the system after a series of scandals across the province's network of youth homes and services.

Lesley Hill, who helped oversee the Laurent Commission, an inquiry into youth protection services held in 2019, will take over as the provincial director.

"I'm going to go with all of my heart and all of my guts so that they'll come out and speak out and help rebuild our services," Hill said at a news conference Thursday. Hill came out of retirement to accept the position.

"I just love kids and I care about them deeply and about having public system that gives them the right services. So here I am."

Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant appointed Hill to the position. Carmant said he shares a vision with Hill to make swift changes in the youth protection system, particularly rehabilitation centres.

"We need to work together to change things," he said. "Change cannot be made quickly enough."

The previous director, Catherine Lemay, was pressured to step down from the position earlier this week. Carmant is facing pressure from opposition politicians to step down himself.

Numerous reports have surfaced involving problems for homes for youth in protection, including that nine female educators working at the Cité-des-Prairies youth rehabilitation centre in eastern Montreal had sexual relations with youth under their care.

In another instance earlier this month, the youth protection office branch serving central Quebec and the Mauricie region was put under trusteeship, after a report said children were being removed from their parents too quickly.

Before her work on the Laurent Commission, Hill had a career as a senior executive in health and social services, including a stint at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, which serves English-speaking youth in Montreal.

In her meeting with reporters Thursday, Hill addressed English-speaking Quebecers and Indigenous peoples in particular, saying she will be an ally in identifying and resolving issues.

Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, Québec Solidaire's social services critic, said Wednesday he likes the choice.

"She has an expertise on the network. She's been very vocal in the last years as to what's not working and what should be done within the system," he said.

But Cliche-Rivard, as well as interim Liberal Leader Marc Tanguay, stressed that Hill should have full independence from Carmant to make the necessary changes.

"I want for the national director of the DPJ to answer to children and children only," Cliche said.