Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

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Between 1999 and 2004, I was the Deputy Children's Advocate for the Province
of Manitoba. The Office of the Children's Advocate is an Independent office of the
Manitoba Legislative Assembly which represents the rights, interests and viewpoints of
children and youth throughout Manitoba who are receiving, or are entitled to receive
services under The Child and Family Services (CFS) Act and The Adoption Act.
5. Between 1993 and 1999 I was employed as a case worker in Winnipeg with Cree
Nation Child & Family Services. My job was to provide case management services to
children placed by the agency in Winnipeg. I do not hold a degree in social work.
6. I have personal knowledge of the matters set out in this affidavit, except where
they are stated to be based on information or belief, in which case I believe the matters
to be true.
Identification
of Social Workers and other Child Welfare Services Providers
7. During my last year as executive Director of SECFS the agency implemented
staff photo identification cards for all SECFS staff. This was for both introduction to
clients as well as to collateral service providers. Normally there was a photograph of
the social worker on the card. When social workers attend at a client's home they are
expected to show this identification, identify themselves verbally and identify the
purpose of their visit. Most social workers had business cards with similar information
to provide to clients. Currently it is my belief that all CFS workers as well as support