Former B.C. Ministry of Children manager charged with child porn possession

VANCOUVER – A man who was a manager for the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development, has now been charged with accessing and possessing child porn.

Edward Berry is alleged to have committed the offences in April, 2014, in Prince George. In a statement by the Minister of Children and Family Stephanie Cadieux said a “former employee” of the ministry is currently facing criminal charges and the nature of those charges are “deeply concerning to all of us.”

“While I cannot speak to any of the specifics in this circumstance, what I can say is we take this matter very seriously,” Cadieux said.

“Our number one priority is always to protect and support children, youth and families. As far as this specific, unfortunate circumstance is concerned, MCFD is fully cooperating with police while also upholding our paramount duty to protect and support children, youth and families.”

Due to the criminal nature of the charges, Cadieux said she not able to comment further. RCMP said at the time of Berry’s arrest he was an employee with the Ministry.

According to a posting on the B.C. College of Social Workers website, Berry was based in Prince George, but worked throughout Northern B.C.

His area of expertise was child welfare, but he was also responsible for child and youth mental health, youth justice and children and youth with special needs services for the Northeast and North Central areas of B.C.

Berry is due in a Prince George court on Jan. 28. He has been released on several conditions, including no contact with anyone under the age of 16 and not to possess any device that allows Internet access.

If you have any information about persons in possession of child pornography, contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477, online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca (English only), or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) using keyword “pgtips”.