An online petition is calling for an independent investigation to be held into the death of a teenager who was under the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Last month, 18-year-old Alex Gervais jumped out of an Abbotsford hotel window. The teen was reportedly placed in the hotel after the province shut down his group home.
Members of the Sto:lo First Nation started the petition on change.org, calling on B.C. Children’s Representative Mary Ellen Turpel Lafond to look into the circumstances that led to the teen’s death.
The petition has already been signed by more than 270 supporters.
WATCH: Extended: Friends of Alex Gervais speak out
In the petition, the Tribal Council claims Premier Chisty Clark made public statements laying blame before any investigation was started.
The ministry maintains hotels are used to house children in care only in extreme circumstances and they are required to be notified whenever it happens.
It does not seem to have been notified in this case.
“The delegated agency made a real mistake or it appears that they did,” said Clark previously. “They did not follow policy. It was wrong. It had tragic outcomes and there are going to be consequences for that.”
A formal review into the case has now been launched by the government.
Last month, Minister Stephanie Cadieux said until that review is complete, the ministry won’t comment on what happened to Gervais.
READ MORE: Ministry, delegated agency playing blame game in light of teen’s death
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