Quebec appoints first commissioner for children’s welfare and rights

The Quebec minister of social services, Lionel Carmant, answers the opposition during question period at the Quebec National Assembly, Tuesday March 25, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot)

Quebec officially appointed Marie-Ève Brunet-Kitchen as the first Commissioner for Children’s Welfare and Rights (CBEDE).

The appointment was a key recommendation of the Special Commission on the Rights of the Child and Youth Protection - commonly known as the Laurent Commission in 2019.

Brunet-Kitchen will take up her new post on May 12.

“Children in Quebec now have a voice. Someone who will make sure they know their rights and who will make sure their rights are protected,” said Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant.

Prior to her appointment, Brunet-Kitchen was director general of the Fédération québécoise des organismes communautaires Famille, the Association des ressources intermédiaires d’hébergement du Québec and Action Prévention Verdun. She was also a municipal councillor in the borough.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 9, 2025.