ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador's incoming premier says he's not sure a new law is required to inform the child and youth advocate whenever children receiving government services die.
But Paul Davis says he'll review any request from Carol Chafe (CHAYF) to change how deaths of young people under protective care are reported.
Since June, Chafe has called for new legislation to ensure she's promptly told of any death or critical incident involving children and youth so she can follow up.
She says she didn't know about most of the 35 deaths since 2009 that the province confirmed through an access to information request.
They involved children and youth receiving government services who died of medical issues, accidental causes or suicide.
Chafe says she has relied in the past on media reports or complaints but is now writing to Davis to press for new legislation.
