New Brunswick Child and Youth Advocate Norman Bossé. (Photo Credit: Mullin's Photography)
Norman Bossé has been asked to create a report intended to help prevent New Brunswickers from experiencing what Lexi Daken endured.
Daken, a Fredericton teen whose family says she waited hours at the Chalmers Hospital trying and failing to access mental health services. She later took her own life.
Now Bossé, the Child, Youth and Seniors’ Advocate, will conduct what he called “A profound overview of the system”.
The review will include a revision of previous recommendations that have been made and will question those that haven’t been implemented. However, Bossé says his intent is not to bash the government but instead demand a commitment to action.
“Accountability is brought to bear in elections… Holding governments accountable is not something my office can do,” he said.
The advocate is optimistic that the report and recommendations will make a difference stating that he has received many messages from people looking to help.
Bossé will hear from affected and interested parties, given that the issue exists on a large scale.
“We recognize that this is not just a Fredericton Regional Health Service problem it is not even a New Brunswick problem it is a challenge that is national and global in scope,” said Bossé.
While an exact date for the report has not been specified, Bossé believes that it is a timely matter given the importance of the issue and the limited time he has left in his current position. His tenure was extended by one-year last July.
