The Commissaire au bien-être et aux droits des enfants Officially Launches its Services and Begins Three Investigations

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, Marie-Eve Brunet Kitchen, Québec's commissaire for Children's Well-Being and Rights, announced the official launch of the institution's services. Children and youth aged 0 to 18, as well as vulnerable young adults aged 18 to 25 who believe they have witnessed or experienced an injustice, can now contact the Commissaire by phone, text message, or email to seek support in exercising their rights. Because young people are at the heart of the Commissaire's mission, Ms. Brunet Kitchen addressed them directly during the press conference held this morning in Montréal.

"As of today, no child should have to face alone a situation they feel is unfair, violates their rights, or affects their well-being. When they do not know where to turn, they can turn to us. We will listen, help them understand their rights, the resources available to them, and the options they have, and, whenever needed, support them every step of the way. We are here for all children and young people in Québec."

Adults who are concerned about a child, notice that a child's rights are not being respected, or believe that a public program or service is falling short are also encouraged to contact the institution. Parents, relatives, teachers, practitioners, professionals, researchers, journalists, and anyone committed to the well-being of children can bring their concerns to the Commissaire

Expanding Outreach to Children, Youth, and the Public 

The Commissaire also announced the launch of its first province-wide awareness campaign. The campaign will feature advertising on city buses, bus shelters, including many located near secondary schools, regional intercity coaches, and in more than 100 arenas and sports centres across Québec.

Schools, youth centres, and organizations that work with children and young people will also be invited to help raise awareness of this new institution and share the Commissaire's resources within their communities.

A dedicated website (enfants.quebec) is now available, allowing young people and their allies to quickly find the Commissaire's contact information and learn how to get in touch. The Commissaire is also now active on several social media platforms, making it easier to engage with and reach young people across Québec.

First Initial Investigations

In conjunction with the launch of its services, the Commissaire also announced the institution's first three systemic investigations.

1. The first investigation announced addresses an issue that could affect every child in Québec. It will seek to answer the following question: when a child requires medical care, whether in a hospital or during ambulance transport, is the equipment needed to treat them and, at times, save their life readily available at all times? 
2. The second investigation focuses on a particularly vulnerable group and will enable the institution to carry out its mandate with vulnerable young adults aged 18 to 25. It will examine residential services for autistic children and young adults, as well as those with an intellectual disability, who are under the age of 25. Investigators will seek to determine whether these residential services are sufficient and adapted to meet their needs. 
3. Finally, the third investigation stems directly from the lessons Québec was expected to draw from tragedies that profoundly marked our society. It will examine whether, following young Clara's* death in Granby and the recommendations of the Laurent Commission, a similar tragedy could still occur today because the key systems responsible for supporting and protecting a child do not communicate effectively or intervene early enough. To verify this, investigators will analyze child deaths that have occurred in recent years in order to identify potential recurring breakdowns in coordination among organizations and determine whether these point to persistent shortcomings.

"These three investigations are very different, yet they all seek to answer the same fundamental question: As of right now, are the systems surrounding children adequately meeting their needs and supporting their well-being and rights? We are not assuming that a problem exists; our role is to find out. If a problem is identified, we want to understand what is causing or perpetuating it, assess its impact on children, and determine whether change is needed."

About the Commissaire au bien-être et aux droits des enfants

The Commissaire au bien-être et aux droits des enfants is an independent institution whose mission is to promote the well-being of children and respect for their rights in Québec, and to safeguard their best interests.

^*As noted by Coroner Géhane Kamel in her public report, the child's first name is used in keeping with the duty to remember the tragedy and the collective reflection it has prompted, with the aim of contributing to the well-being of children.

SOURCE Commissaire au bien-être et aux droits des enfants

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