Public Inquiry into Child Protection Services

A Call to Action

Julissa Stewart, a concerned resident of Nova Scotia personally affected by the child protection system, strongly opposes the passage of Bill 201 – the Justice and Social Services Act – and urges its immediate withdrawal in favour of a comprehensive public inquiry under the Public Inquiries Act. In her detailed submission, she argues that the bill represents an insufficient, rushed response that prioritizes government protection and bureaucratic convenience over genuine accountability, family integrity, and the best interests of children, with key provisions such as expanded publication bans that further silence families and victims, the broadening of the Child Abuse Register to include non-convictions, extensions of ministerial care to age 25, and the repeal of the Social Workers Act risking state overreach, undermining due process, and infringing on constitutional rights. Drawing from her personal experiences with systemic failures in investigation, evidence gathering, and accountability under the Children and Family Services Act, Stewart emphasizes that only an independent public inquiry—as detailed in the attached petition—can holistically examine these critical gaps in practices, access to justice, social worker oversight, and related legislation, delivering evidence-based recommendations that truly protect children, support families, and restore public confidence.

The Ask:

You can read Julissa’s full letter (embedded below) to legislative council presented by MLA E.S. McCrossin on March 26. We invite you to sign this petition for a public inquiry and help shine a spotlight on systemic failures within the so-called child protection system.

Note: ONLY printed, signed and mailed copies of the petition will be accepted by the House. For your address: just a postal code or county name is sufficient.

Steps to follow;

• Print petition (download file to print): Download PDF
• Sign in pen as an individual or collect signatures on your printed petition
• Mail to: Julissa Stewart 91-3045 Unit 5 Robie Street Halifax, NS B3K 4P6
• Share the link (www.thecans.ca/#PIITCPC) to the Petition with as many people as you can

Thank you for your engagement!