System failed Quebec girl whose 2019 killing led to youth protection reforms: coroner
New Report Highlights Failures in Quebec’s Child Protection Services
Following the tragic death of a young girl from Granby, Quebec in 2019, a recent report by a coroner has shed light on the failures of the province’s child protection services in safeguarding her.
The report by Géhane Kamel reveals that various institutions responsible for the well-being of the seven-year-old, including youth services, the health network, and the school system, did not effectively collaborate to prevent her untimely death.
The incident sparked public outrage and prompted a comprehensive review of the youth protection system in Quebec.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
- The girl was discovered in a critical condition with adhesive tape covering her body, leading to her death from asphyxiation.
- Kamel’s report includes recommendations to enhance communication between government agencies and prioritize the welfare of children in the youth protection system.
- The child’s stepmother was convicted of second-degree murder and unlawful confinement, receiving a life sentence with no chance of parole for 13 years.
- The girl’s father, who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of unlawful confinement, was sentenced to four years in prison in early 2022.
This latest development, as reported by The Canadian Press on September 3, 2025, underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Stay updated on this evolving story as efforts to improve child protection services continue across Quebec.
Source: The Canadian Press
