The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has halted the compilation of reports detailing the deaths of children who have interacted with the province's child welfare system. This decision marks a significant change from 2020, when the government began releasing summaries that tracked child fatalities associated with children’s aid societies, which provided valuable insights into the safety and effectiveness of the care system. Reports indicated a troubling statistic where, on average, a child connected with the welfare network died every three days, highlighting the risks faced by this vulnerable demographic.

In recent years, Global News has actively utilized freedom of information laws to access this crucial data, shedding light on the causes of these deaths, the age groups involved, and the circumstances surrounding the welfare involvement of these children. The most recent statistics revealed that in 2023 alone, 134 deaths were attributable to the welfare system, including a range of causes such as accidents, medical issues, suspicious circumstances, and suicides. This data was important for community awareness and accountability in child welfare practices.

By discontinuing these reports, the Ford government is raising concerns among advocates and watchdog organizations regarding transparency in the child welfare sector. Critics argue that stopping the dissemination of such critical information could lead to a lack of accountability and oversight, further endangering vulnerable children who depend on the welfare system for safety and support. The move has sparked discussions among stakeholders about the implications for child welfare policy and the need for continued monitoring to protect children in foster care and associated services.