Questioning foster care 'should not be allowed,' says association head

The head of the Alberta Foster Parent Association says media questioning of foster care should not be allowed.

The comment followeda damning media investigation that found the number of children who have died in government care is nearly triple the officialnumbers.

In a news conference Wednesday in Edmonton, the Alberta government spoke out in support of the foster care system. A joint Edmonton Journal/Calgary Herald investigation released Monday concluded a total of 145 children died in government care since 1999 butthe province only reported 56 of those deaths.

Speaking as part of a panel of foster care supporters, Katherine Jonessaid media reports questioning foster care "should not be allowed."

Government officials at the conference attacked the premise of the investigation, saying there are limits to what the public should be toldabout foster care.

"The public doesn't have the right to know everything," saidHuman Services MinisterDave Hancock, adding thatparents of children in foster care are restricted on what they can saypublicly unless a judge gives permission.

Push for inquiry

Aboriginal activist Muriel Stanley Vennesays she doesn't acceptthe minister's response.

"Should he not resign for withholding this information from the general public?Thelittle coffinsthe suicides. Nobody is ever charged. Nobody is ever held accountable for the damage done to the children."

Stanley Venne says workers who put children in dangerous situations should be held accountable.

"It is a weak response.There should be a public apology," saidSharon Gladue, who works with the Creating Hope Societyto prevent children from being apprehended by the government.

WildroseParty leader Danielle Smithcontinuesto push for a public inquiry.