As controversy swirls, Quebec government chooses a new director of youth protection

Quebec has selected a new leader for its youth protection services following allegations of misconduct involving staff at youth homes across the province.

Lesley Hill, who played a key role in the 2019 Laurent Commission inquiry into youth protection services, is expected to be appointed to the position later today. Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant is set to make the announcement official this afternoon.

Hill’s appointment comes just two days after Catherine Lemay stepped down under pressure from the same role.

Several troubling reports have emerged about youth homes. One incident involved nine female educators at the Cité-des-Prairies youth rehabilitation centre in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies neighbourhood engaging in sexual relations with youth in their care. Earlier this month, another youth protection office serving central Quebec and the Mauricie region was placed under trusteeship following a report that children were being removed from their families too hastily.

Hill brings extensive experience as a senior executive in health and social services, including her time at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, which provides services to English-speaking youth in Montreal.

Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, Québec Solidaire’s social services critic, expressed support for Hill’s selection. “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.

However, both Cliche-Rivard and Interim Liberal Leader Marc Tanguay emphasized the importance of Hill operating independently of Minister Carmant. “I want for the national director of the DPJ to answer to children and children only,” said Cliche-Rivard.