YOU MAY WANT TO ASK HON. MARY MCNEIL TO HELP US / 562

Hon. Mary McNeil

When Premier Christy Clark announced the new cabinet, I happily blogged the news with you on March 14, 2011 that Mary McNeil had been elevated to the position of Minister of MCFD ('NEWS RELEASE - NEW MCFD MINISTER). Our optimism at a new chapter for child welfare and child protection and family development jumped higher when other announcements followed as I indicated on June 1, 2011. The new Deputy Minister MCFD is Stephen Brown and the re-instituted position of Provincial Director of Child Welfare was filled by Doug Hughes (another Doug Hughes post), (and another Stephen Brown post). This has seemed to be a team that desires to work in cooperation with the Advocate for Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.  I trust that will be true and profitable for the youth of this province. What we need now, is some evidence that these officials are paying attention to what truly counts, compassionate and effective front line work that carefully preserves families while simultaneously protecting vulnerable children. Because there are numerous cases including the Baynes, that point to the need for reform to this Ministry, you may want to communicate with Hon. Mary McNeil in a courteous and informative manner.

MLA: Hon. Mary McNeil Vancouver-False Creek Minister of Children and Family Development Elected: 2009 BRITISH COLUMBIA LIBERAL PARTY

E-mail: mary.mcneil.mla@leg.bc.ca
Office: Room 306 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4		Constituency: 201 – 1168 Hamilton Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2
Phone:	250 387-9699	Phone:	604 775-2601
Fax:	250 387-9722	Fax:	604 775-2607

Minister Mary McNeil was appointed Minister for Children and Family Development on March 14, 2011.  Before that, she served as  Minister of Citizen Services from June 11, 2010 to March 14, 2011. She previously served as Minister of State for The Olympics and Actnow BC. 

Minister McNeil was elected MLA for Vancouver-False Creek in the 2009 general provincial election.
Most recently, Mary served as president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation for eight years. She has served in key roles for international economic events including the G7 meetings in Halifax and Toronto, APEC in Vancouver and the XI international conference on AIDS. Mary has also served on the Vancouver Police Board for four years.

Mary was born and educated in Vancouver and has lived in Yaletown for 11 years with her husband of 38 years, Rod. She has raised four daughters and currently has eleven grandchildren.