FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(KITCHENER) July 30 – Families impacted by the recent bankrupcty of
Imagine Adoption voted today at the first creditors’ meeting held in
Kitchener-Waterloo to work with the bankruptcy trustee BDO Dunwoody to
present a proposal to rescue the agency from bankruptcy. Work on the
proposal should be completed within the next two to four weeks.
I f the proposal is accepted by the court, the restructured agency
will continue to work to complete the adoptions of families registered
with the agency prior to the bankruptcy.
“What a moving moment it was to see all 189 people present vote in
favour of working towards taking the agency out of bankruptcy,” says
Christine Starr, chair of Families of Imagine Adoption, a group which
has been working to achieve completion of all the adoptions registered
with Imagine.
“But this is just a first step towards the completion of all files.
There is much more work to be done.”
Press contacts:
Ingrid Phaneuf: 416-710-0966
David Cotter: 519-502-5818
***************************************************************************
Article in the
newspaper-http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AdoptionCouncilofOnt/7daa5f5870/b82c9ac8f3/17779ca3f4
July 30, 2009
BY BRIAN CALDWELL, RECORD STAFF
KITCHENER — Hopeful families were buoyed Thursday by a plan to try to
save a bankrupt Cambridge adoption agency by bringing in new
management.
If successful, it would mean hundreds of clients across Canada will
still be able to adopt children from overseas after investing months
of time and up to $20,000 in the process.
Would-be parents were devastated when Kids Link International Adoption
Agency, which operated as
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AdoptionCouncilofOnt/7daa5f5870/b82c9ac8f3/7911888763
Adoption, collapsed July 14.
But they left a Kitchener meeting in good spirits after about 200
creditors voted unanimously to pursue a restructuring effort outlined
by bankruptcy trustees from BDO Dunwoody.
“I’ve never seen so many people in one room agree on something so
quickly,” said Ingrid Phaneuf, of Etobicoke, who is trying to adopt a
child from Ethiopia. “It was fantastic.”
About six people with the necessary expertise may take over the
non-profit agency. The plan would require approval from the provincial
government, which licenses international adoption organizations.
Bankruptcy trustee Susan Taves said the plan will be explored and
developed over the next two to four weeks to see if it can work.
“I think it’s really probable – a high percentage of success here,”
she said after the three-hour meeting.
Companies, church groups, individuals and affected families have
contacted trustees with offers to help salvage the agency.
“This is a really unique file,” Taves said. “In 20 years of doing this
work, I’ve never had people call and say they’ll give money to keep an
organization going.”
The effort also has an ally in Kitchener lawyer Ted Giesbrecht, who
went to Ethiopia earlier this month to ensure children at an agency
transition home were properly cared for.
Giesbrecht, who is working for free, said staff at the home – where
children matched with Canadian families are housed – hadn’t been paid
in six weeks.
While also helping to complete adoptions that had reached the matching
stage, he cut staff and reduced expenses at the home from more than
$50,000 to $17,000 a month.
If the agency is restructured, Giesbrecht said, that will help stretch
the money Imagine still had in the bank when it went bust.
“The cost per family should be reduced,” he said. “The funds in trust
may go a long way.”
David and Holly Guistini of Kitchener paid $14,000 in fees to Imagine
and were waiting to be matched with a child in Ethiopia after
unsuccessfully trying to have a baby of their own for five years.
They were encouraged when a landscaper sitting next to them at the
creditors’ meeting told them he’d write off the money he is owed if
the agency can be salvaged.
“He said, ‘You getting your child is more important than us getting
our money,’ ” David said. “I was blown away.”
“It was a great meeting,” added Holly, who almost died from
complications during two pregnancies. “Everybody was together.”
James Ramsay, a federal judge who lives in Hamilton, was also upbeat
while leaving the meeting with his wife, Brenda.
The parents of six grown children, they signed up with Imagine and
were matched with a child in Uganda after Brenda saw a pressing need
while doing volunteer work there.
“They realize it’s not just money,” Ramsay said of bankruptcy trustees
and government officials. “They’re trying their best to make something
reasonable out of a very difficult situation.
“So far, it looks good, but you can never be sure. International
adoption is not for the faint of heart.”
Families have so far filed claims nearing $3 million. Imagine had just
$500,000 in cash left, plus about $150,000 in receivables and office
equipment.
The collapse affected 415 families, including more than 200 in
Ontario.
Bankruptcy trustees are working with government officials to complete
about 40 adoptions, mostly from Ethiopia, that had reached the stage
where families were matched with children.
The remaining 375 clients are at earlier points in the lengthy
process.
Nine families hoping to adopt from Ghana are in a particularly tough
spot after an orphanage there was closed over concerns children had
been improperly taken from their parents.
Jesse and Jeanette Martin of Elora had been matched with twin,
eight-month-old girls when all adoptions from the orphanage were
suspended.
“To us, these are our girls,” said Jeanette, showing photos of the
children. “We won’t give up. We can’t give up.”
The orphanage was run by Hands of Mercy, a Christian charity based in
Fort Erie.
Deborah MacQuarrie, who heads the organization, attended the meeting
to talk to families trying to adopt from Ghana. With her were Melisa
and Brett Jackson, her daughter and son-in-law, whose own adoption
plans are on hold.
MacQuarrie insisted there were no serious problems at the orphanage
and said they hope adoptions can still be completed with no direct
involvement from Hands of Mercy or Imagine.
“Believe me, if we were guilty of all the things they say we are, we
wouldn’t be here,” she said. “We’d be in hiding somewhere.”
Waterloo Regional Police are conducting a fraud investigation after
two directors of Imagine alleged senior staff earning six-figure
salaries made more than $300,000 in questionable purchases with
corporate credit cards.
Included were trips, home renovations and a horse and saddle.
There was no sign at the meeting of Susan Hayhow, the former executive
director of Imagine and two related organizations, Global Reach
Children Fund and Saint Anne Adoption Agency.
Those agencies are also caught up in the Imagine bankruptcy because
money moved among accounts for all three organizations.
Hayhow’s husband, Rick, was chief financial officer of Imagine and
Saint Anne. He resigned in April after his wife began a common-law
relationship with Andrew Morrow, a board member and employee of Global
Reach.
Susan Hayhow and Morrow were at the transition home in Ethiopia when
Giesbrecht, an expert in international adoptions, went there on behalf
of BDO.
Giesbrecht said they were trying to make sure the children were OK and
cooperated when he got there, giving him the information he needed to
take over.
“There was an introduction,” he said. “I met them and then I said ‘You
have no further authority here.’ ”
bcaldwell@therecord.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
IMPORTANT UPDATE - Creditors Meeting
The FIA Steering Committee, primarily the FIA Trustee Liaison
sub-committee, has been working closely with Susan Taves of BDO
Dunwoody over the last 48 hours in preparation for tomorrow's meeting.
Since Susan's recommendations on how to approach and prepare for this
meeting has only presented themselves over the past day, we weren't
able to get this information to you sooner and we still don't have all
the details. We're hoping that tomorrow, Sue will take some time to
explain the format and agenda of the meeting.
We have however, been given some direction on how to be as productive
as possible in the limited time that we have, which is three hours
max.
1. We were asked what we thought would be the initial areas of
interest that many of the Families of Imagine Adoption would like to
see addressed. Please note that they're not limited to these, nor are
we expecting a response to all of these, but we needed to offer our
initial thoughts immediately, to help prepare and best utilize our
time and efforts tomorrow:
• Details on the location and security of our files
• Description of the interaction between the Provincial
government, Federal government and BDO Dunwoody
• Details on the status of all files, if known (e.g. the number
of files at each stage of the process)
• Details, if known, as to the funds required to complete all
active files
• Transition of funds between St. Anne’s, Kids Link and Global
Reach
• Details of the three leases
• Details of the status of the trust funds
• Information pertaining to the use of trust funds by Kids Link
• Details of assets and creditors in Ethiopia
• Details of any outstanding litigation involving Kids Link
• Any insight into the financial viability of St. Anne’s and
Global Reach
• Steps taken by the Board of Directors between their initial
concerns and the assignment in bankruptcy
• Details of submitted proposals
• The procedure for the assessment of proposals
2. From our understanding, Susan Taves will ask creditors for
suggested nominations of five inspectors. Currently, we understand
that the role of the investigator is to assist the Trustee in
supervising certain aspects of the Trustees' administration of the
bankruptcy on behalf of the creditors. We don't have full clarity of
this role and hope to get further insight on this role and the
processes tomorrow.
1. Lianne Armstrong - Lawyer with experience in insolvency matters
2. Rob Eagleson - Manager at a Financial Institution; specializing in
commercial finance
3. James Boyle - Holds an MBA and a Master Certificate in Project
Management
4. Bernadette Quemerais - Military Officer at the Comptroller for Land
Force Central Area
5. Donna Cotter - Chartered Financial Analyst
We feel that these five have the background and skills to represent
us. Please note that we chose local representation because Trustee
meetings may need to be held in person, so the investigators either
needs to be in close proximity or willing to travel.
Thanks for your patience and for understanding this late
communication. We'll see many of you tomorrow!
Regards,
FIA Steering Committee
sub-committee, has been working closely with Susan Taves of BDO
Dunwoody over the last 48 hours in preparation for tomorrow's meeting.
Since Susan's recommendations on how to approach and prepare for this
meeting has only presented themselves over the past day, we weren't
able to get this information to you sooner and we still don't have all
the details. We're hoping that tomorrow, Sue will take some time to
explain the format and agenda of the meeting.
We have however, been given some direction on how to be as productive
as possible in the limited time that we have, which is three hours
max.
1. We were asked what we thought would be the initial areas of
interest that many of the Families of Imagine Adoption would like to
see addressed. Please note that they're not limited to these, nor are
we expecting a response to all of these, but we needed to offer our
initial thoughts immediately, to help prepare and best utilize our
time and efforts tomorrow:
• Details on the location and security of our files
• Description of the interaction between the Provincial
government, Federal government and BDO Dunwoody
• Details on the status of all files, if known (e.g. the number
of files at each stage of the process)
• Details, if known, as to the funds required to complete all
active files
• Transition of funds between St. Anne’s, Kids Link and Global
Reach
• Details of the three leases
• Details of the status of the trust funds
• Information pertaining to the use of trust funds by Kids Link
• Details of assets and creditors in Ethiopia
• Details of any outstanding litigation involving Kids Link
• Any insight into the financial viability of St. Anne’s and
Global Reach
• Steps taken by the Board of Directors between their initial
concerns and the assignment in bankruptcy
• Details of submitted proposals
• The procedure for the assessment of proposals
2. From our understanding, Susan Taves will ask creditors for
suggested nominations of five inspectors. Currently, we understand
that the role of the investigator is to assist the Trustee in
supervising certain aspects of the Trustees' administration of the
bankruptcy on behalf of the creditors. We don't have full clarity of
this role and hope to get further insight on this role and the
processes tomorrow.
1. Lianne Armstrong - Lawyer with experience in insolvency matters
2. Rob Eagleson - Manager at a Financial Institution; specializing in
commercial finance
3. James Boyle - Holds an MBA and a Master Certificate in Project
Management
4. Bernadette Quemerais - Military Officer at the Comptroller for Land
Force Central Area
5. Donna Cotter - Chartered Financial Analyst
We feel that these five have the background and skills to represent
us. Please note that we chose local representation because Trustee
meetings may need to be held in person, so the investigators either
needs to be in close proximity or willing to travel.
Thanks for your patience and for understanding this late
communication. We'll see many of you tomorrow!
Regards,
FIA Steering Committee
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Lucky mom thankful she beat adoption bankruptcy
Jul 29, 2009 - 04:30 AM
By Nancy Gummow
Every night since my internationally-adopted daughter has joined us 20 short weeks ago, I have taken her to her room, fed her a bottle, looked into her beautiful, deep dark brown eyes and smiled.
One night a couple of weeks ago, the routine was the same, but the significance was entirely different -- not for Gracie, but for me. Not surprisingly, it was the same day I discovered Kids Link, (also known as Imagine Adoption) the Ontario agency to facilitate my adoption from Ethiopia, filed for bankruptcy.
Filed for bankruptcy? I couldn't believe it. Forgive me for being selfish and self-centred but hearing those three words rocked my world. My disbelief quickly gave way to a heavy heart.
On that night, it wasn't Gracie's beautiful eyes I saw. It was those helpless, innocent children I saw playing so well on the floor when I visited her old room where she stayed. Little faces now suddenly and forcibly burned on my soul forever because I will always wonder if they found a mama to feed them a bottle and gaze into their eyes at bedtime.
Gracie is a lucky girl. And we are an even luckier and more blessed family to have her in our lives. My girlfriend, Cynthia, who I travelled with -- also to be joined with her cute girl Tia -- said it best: "Go and give Gracie a million kisses and be thankful she's here."
If the bankruptcy had happened only 12 months ago, it would have been me. And I think about what our lives would be like without her, how I would have felt never seeing her face, the joy I would have missed now seeing Alex and Nicholas laugh and play with their treasured sister. And I can't imagine it. I can't bear to feel the searing pain and grief. It's like breathing in a steel dagger.
Then I hear the stories of others. Parents who have waited years for the privilege of becoming a parent, one day woke up to news that must have been like a like a nuclear weapon attack on their heart, mind and spirit. Their stories will make you weep. Two days before the official news, I had to tell the rumours to a friend in Ottawa, who was with the same agency. It was a heartbreaking phone call. And who knows if the money they spent will ever be returned.
Trust me, this was not just another bankruptcy. There is a river of tears and a path of destruction from here to Ethiopia that will affect my life -- and the lives of others -- forever.
By Nancy Gummow
Every night since my internationally-adopted daughter has joined us 20 short weeks ago, I have taken her to her room, fed her a bottle, looked into her beautiful, deep dark brown eyes and smiled.
One night a couple of weeks ago, the routine was the same, but the significance was entirely different -- not for Gracie, but for me. Not surprisingly, it was the same day I discovered Kids Link, (also known as Imagine Adoption) the Ontario agency to facilitate my adoption from Ethiopia, filed for bankruptcy.
Filed for bankruptcy? I couldn't believe it. Forgive me for being selfish and self-centred but hearing those three words rocked my world. My disbelief quickly gave way to a heavy heart.
On that night, it wasn't Gracie's beautiful eyes I saw. It was those helpless, innocent children I saw playing so well on the floor when I visited her old room where she stayed. Little faces now suddenly and forcibly burned on my soul forever because I will always wonder if they found a mama to feed them a bottle and gaze into their eyes at bedtime.
Gracie is a lucky girl. And we are an even luckier and more blessed family to have her in our lives. My girlfriend, Cynthia, who I travelled with -- also to be joined with her cute girl Tia -- said it best: "Go and give Gracie a million kisses and be thankful she's here."
If the bankruptcy had happened only 12 months ago, it would have been me. And I think about what our lives would be like without her, how I would have felt never seeing her face, the joy I would have missed now seeing Alex and Nicholas laugh and play with their treasured sister. And I can't imagine it. I can't bear to feel the searing pain and grief. It's like breathing in a steel dagger.
Then I hear the stories of others. Parents who have waited years for the privilege of becoming a parent, one day woke up to news that must have been like a like a nuclear weapon attack on their heart, mind and spirit. Their stories will make you weep. Two days before the official news, I had to tell the rumours to a friend in Ottawa, who was with the same agency. It was a heartbreaking phone call. And who knows if the money they spent will ever be returned.
Trust me, this was not just another bankruptcy. There is a river of tears and a path of destruction from here to Ethiopia that will affect my life -- and the lives of others -- forever.
Blog Post by Glen Pearson, MP London North
Altered States – No Better Example
July 29, 2009 by glenpearson
“The future of democracy lies with what we might call strong democracy – with a revitalization of citizenship that is not collectivistic, a form of public reasoning that is not merely conformist, and a set of civic institutions that permits vital citizen input.” So said George Bernard Shaw. Even in his day there were concerns that proper citizen skills weren’t being developed or welcomed by a political order that preferred to keep matters to itself. In fretting that democracy would inevitably be weakened by an isolated citizenry, he believed citizens should themselves come together, learn the working and policies of government, and force the system to sit up and take notice – not negatively but proactively.
We have been fortunate enough in Canada to have just witnessed the kind of input Shaw was looking for. Last week I wrote about the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the prospective parents seeking to adopt through the now bankrupt Imagine adoption agency (see Adopting a New Attitude). What they have accomplished since that posting is even more remarkable.
This was a case in which, when confronted by the financial failure of a government licensed adoption agency, a group of hopeful parents sought to come together in various parts of the country, organize task forces and a steering committee, and positively engage both the media and the political process in ways that were truly constructive.
But first they had to learn. More than anything else there was the need for information. Who was responsible? What was the status of their files? Could the situation be salvaged? And so, rather than just bemoan their fate, they reasoned that for the sake of the children they hoped to acquire and for the integrity of the adoption system itself, they pulled together all their vast experience and information and sought to make it available to public officials In numerous ways they were the experts, having gone through, in some cases, years of working through the system. The information gathered, they then went to the media and offered any assistance they could to the various ministries involved. In refusing to turn their own personal torture into a media circus, they constructively “prodded” the political system by offering to assist in any way they could. Whatever complaints they had were kept in private as they publicly used the vast skills in their combined group to force politicians and the system to realize that they weren’t dealing with angry taxpayers or some kind of over-the-top fringe group, but were in fact being invited by hurting partners to make the process work better for the children.
I was there personally to witness these developments and have been inspired by the sheer professionalism of these families. And they have achieved results. Through provincial and federal intervention, some families are being united and the process is at work trying to build long-term sustainability into the future of the children themselves. This kind of remarkable action is what Mandela was alluding to when he stated:
Strong democracy creates the very citizens it depends upon precisely because it does depend on them. In many ways it forces the individual into a permanent confrontation – between the me as citizen and other citizens, thereby forcing us to think in common, act in common. Put crudely, the true citizen is by definition a we thinker.”
A large group of families, ably led and spread across the country, has just succeeded in making the political process more caring and more efficient. For this we owe them a deep sense of gratitude. They could have immediately reacted by threatening lawsuits and denigrating politicians; instead they took on the mantle of citizenship in the midst of great pain and loss. This is the way forward and these families are guiding us on the path. Now it is our turn to respond to them.
July 29, 2009 by glenpearson
“The future of democracy lies with what we might call strong democracy – with a revitalization of citizenship that is not collectivistic, a form of public reasoning that is not merely conformist, and a set of civic institutions that permits vital citizen input.” So said George Bernard Shaw. Even in his day there were concerns that proper citizen skills weren’t being developed or welcomed by a political order that preferred to keep matters to itself. In fretting that democracy would inevitably be weakened by an isolated citizenry, he believed citizens should themselves come together, learn the working and policies of government, and force the system to sit up and take notice – not negatively but proactively.
We have been fortunate enough in Canada to have just witnessed the kind of input Shaw was looking for. Last week I wrote about the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the prospective parents seeking to adopt through the now bankrupt Imagine adoption agency (see Adopting a New Attitude). What they have accomplished since that posting is even more remarkable.
This was a case in which, when confronted by the financial failure of a government licensed adoption agency, a group of hopeful parents sought to come together in various parts of the country, organize task forces and a steering committee, and positively engage both the media and the political process in ways that were truly constructive.
But first they had to learn. More than anything else there was the need for information. Who was responsible? What was the status of their files? Could the situation be salvaged? And so, rather than just bemoan their fate, they reasoned that for the sake of the children they hoped to acquire and for the integrity of the adoption system itself, they pulled together all their vast experience and information and sought to make it available to public officials In numerous ways they were the experts, having gone through, in some cases, years of working through the system. The information gathered, they then went to the media and offered any assistance they could to the various ministries involved. In refusing to turn their own personal torture into a media circus, they constructively “prodded” the political system by offering to assist in any way they could. Whatever complaints they had were kept in private as they publicly used the vast skills in their combined group to force politicians and the system to realize that they weren’t dealing with angry taxpayers or some kind of over-the-top fringe group, but were in fact being invited by hurting partners to make the process work better for the children.
I was there personally to witness these developments and have been inspired by the sheer professionalism of these families. And they have achieved results. Through provincial and federal intervention, some families are being united and the process is at work trying to build long-term sustainability into the future of the children themselves. This kind of remarkable action is what Mandela was alluding to when he stated:
Strong democracy creates the very citizens it depends upon precisely because it does depend on them. In many ways it forces the individual into a permanent confrontation – between the me as citizen and other citizens, thereby forcing us to think in common, act in common. Put crudely, the true citizen is by definition a we thinker.”
A large group of families, ably led and spread across the country, has just succeeded in making the political process more caring and more efficient. For this we owe them a deep sense of gratitude. They could have immediately reacted by threatening lawsuits and denigrating politicians; instead they took on the mantle of citizenship in the midst of great pain and loss. This is the way forward and these families are guiding us on the path. Now it is our turn to respond to them.
Questions for BDO meeting
I just wanted to remind all families to come to the BDO meeting tomorrow with all of your questions. This is the time to ask them.
FIA Steering Committee Meeting with Minister Deb Matthews - July 28, 2009
Meeting with Minister Deb Matthews
July 28th, 2009
In Attendance:
Minister Deb Matthews
Chris Carson – Chief of Staff
Marilyn Renwick - Administrator
Paris
Chris Shantz – Minister’s Senior Policy Advisor
Sally McGowan – Director of Children and Youth Services
FIA Steering Committee Chairs & Co-chairs
Calling of Meeting to Order and Introductions
Deb Matthews:
Hoping to gain a better understanding of what our needs are.
Wants to ensure her ministry is doing everything possible to assist us.
They will not hold anything back and will be honest with us.
Feel we have the same goal – uniting us with our children through the adoption process.
Want us to understand what they can do to help us and what their responsibilities are.
Christine:
Introduction of her role and the opening statement:
Thanks to the ministry and apologies for isolated inaccurate statements with regards to comments in the media about the ministry’s lack of cooperation.
Thankful for the expedited visas but asking for more.
Concerned about the Ghana and Ecuador programs and St.Anne’s organization.
We are now asking for a clear plan to ensure that ALL files are completed from ALL programs.
We are hoping this meeting will result in assurances and concrete answers from the ministry to ensure all files are completed successfully.
This will most likely mean the ministry may have to go outside the normal boundaries of their responsibility.
We do not want false hopes but a realistic plan that we can support.
Ellen:
Presents our questions for answers/clarification.
These are from the questions we left with the ministry after our Friday meeting.
Minister Matthews:
Thank you for acknowledging the hard work of the ministry.
Her hope is that the creditors will come up with a solution to keep IA viable.
Can’t foresee what will happen at the Thursday meeting with BDO – but they want us to succeed.
The ministry will bend over backwards to make that happen – within the boundaries of the law.
Aware of the danger to lose accreditation with Ethiopia – but they are committed to maintaining a healthy relationship with international officials.
Should the agency be unrevivable – the home studies are portable. Therefore, those files would be transferred to another agency.
Questions for Minister Matthews from Families of Imagine Adoption
· At our last meeting, Sally McGowan stated that the Ministry is working with the other provinces to understand more about the families impacted by Imagine Adoption’s Bankruptcy outside of Ontario. We understand that an inter-provincial call took place on Friday. Please provide an update on what was discussed on the call and any decisions that were made.
· We know that the ministry is having regular conversations with HRSDC’s Intercountry Adoptions Services unit and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. What are the outcomes of these discussions? Can we feel assured that the right action is being taken at the Federal level to ensure critical relationships with the national governments in the countries Imagine Adoption worked with are being maintained?
Sally McGowan:
Citizen and Immigration, International Trade and International Affairs spoke together on a call last week. Ministry of Children and Youth Services gained a better understanding through this conversation about the process and how things are being managed on the ground.
These departments plan on communicating regularly to share information on the different country programs and on the family files from other provinces.
Ellen:
What exactly are you hearing from these departments? What are the conversations with regards to MOWA?
Sally McGowan:
MOWA will report back to the ministry on Friday with regards to the accreditation and licensing on the Ethiopian end.
Minister Matthews:
Have we had the opportunity to speak with other government officials?
Rob:
We have had the ear of MP Glen Pearson up to this point but the other MPs are in Quebec on retreat at this time so we’re on hold with them right now.
Minister Matthews:
How about on the public service side?
Ellen:
No – not yet. We are only now beginning to understand this aspect of Federal government.
Chris – Chief of Staff:
Has liased with Minister Kenny’s chief of staff and have scheduled ongoing calls between those two ministers. Also liaising with Minister Finley’s office.
.
· We recognize that any concrete decisions on the future status of Imagine Adoption are based on BDO Dunwoody’s financial assessment of the agency, but what options are currently being considered?
· Our priority as families impacted by Imagine Adoption is to ensure that all families that have signed a retainer with Imagine Adoption are able to complete their adoptions. Is the Ministry of Children and Youth Services committed to:
1. Expediting a license, if required, as quickly as possible; and
2. Exercising the Ministry’s power to act an interim licensee to continue to facilitate adoptions while Imagine Adoption is restructured.
Minister Matthews:
We can’t speculate about what might happen Thursday.
The ministry is not in the international adoption business and is not planning to become so.
They will support plans but won’t be the plan themselves.
Ellen:
We understand there might be some viable options, but if there isn’t – does the ministry still feel the same way?
Minister Matthews:
Can’t speculate on all the “what ifs”.
Rob:
Would the ministry give us time to group our thoughts and formulate our plan after the meeting on Thursday?
MM:
Yes.
Sally McGowan:
It could be that BDO acts strictly in their position as shutting down the business of IA.
BDO has assured the ministry however, that they are willing to go beyond that to put a viable solution in place.
BDO has confirmed that they are reviewing possible plans to keep the agency viable – and the ministry is committed to expediting this plan.
Ministry has been communicating with other agencies across Canada to gain understanding and form relationships should IA clients need to transfer their files to another agency or that agency step in to assist us.
If there are possible plans for viability of the agency – the ministry doesn’t want to put any artificial deadlines in place. They are committed to ensuring any proposed plan is viable – don’t want to find ourselves in this situation again.
They do however, recognize the time sensitive nature of this situation.
· At our last meeting we expressed our concern that Dr. Palacios, Imagine’s lawyer in Ecuador would not take any action to continue to facilitate adoptions until he got clear direction from the Ministry, or Sue Hayhow. Terre Des Homme, an agency looking into the possibility of taking over our files, cannot take any action until this is resolved. Has the Ministry contacted Dr. Palacio? If not, will the Ministry take immediate action to do so?
MM:
That communication is happening as we speak.
Sally McGowan:
Have a Spanish speaking staff member who is communicating directly with Dr.Palacio and with Ecuadorian officials.
* We understand the short turnaround time between our meeting on Friday and today. We left a very specific list of questions with your staff at Friday's meeting. When can we expect answers to those questions?
OTHER QUESTIONS FROM FIA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Rob:
Reporting fees and requirements for families who are home with their children already. Trying to fulfill the reporting requirements as required by Ethiopian authorities. Can the ministry help us with this situation?
Sally McGowan:
It has been raised with the federal government and MOWA. It has been asked several times on the hotline.
She will raise it with the high commission on our behalf.
Aasif:
How can we as citizens be assured that this situation will not occur again?
Ironically, we thought the risk of this process lay in the international country.
MM:
A lot of learning will happen throughout this process and I’m sure we will come to conclusions later and be reflective.
A license means that an agency will comply with the law – safety of children, 47 steps to meet before being licensed.
The ministry will look beyond the immediate crisis later.
If fraud has occurred, she is not sure the ministry could have prevented this.
Other agencies may want to strengthen the system voluntarily as the process of international adoption is taking a hit from this in general.
Sally McGowan:
What the ministry looks at when licensing (financially):
An outline of the fees paid by families to the agency.
Then an outline of the monies paid on behalf of the family by the agency.
Rob:
Without a full review of financial statements, often perception and reality are disconnected. Necessary to provide accurate information.
James Boyle:
BDO is also not in the international adoption business. Who is helping them wade through this aspect of the bankruptcy?
Sally McGowan:
BDO is working with lawyer Ted Giesbreicht.
Ministry is working with BDO to ensure any proposal put forward meets the 47 licensing criteria.
Christine:
Could you share with us any candidates as we have people approaching us who might be able to fill needs?
Sally McGowan:
Discussions are happening with Susan Taves.
The ministry will combine proposals etc. to help BDO put a viable candidate/proposal in place.
Susan Taves is on a steep learning curve. Ie. Donation for the transition house.
This is a spirit of the law vs. letter of the law situation.
Lianne:
Who should be pro-active to find the viable solution once the money aspect is sorted out on Thursday?
Sally McGowan:
BDO has people knocking at their door with regards to proposals.
This is a conversation we need to have with BDO on Thursday.
If we have people approaching us, ask them to go to BDO with it.
Denise:
BDO is not representing St.Anne’s families. How is the relationship working between the three branches?
Sally McGowan:
The ministry is working on all branches simultaneously – with the understanding that BDO’s job is IA.
It is not a hierarchy for the ministry – they are working on all aspects.
Rob:
How many licenses have been extended to IA?
Sally McGowan:
There are 2 licenses.
David:
What is happening with Ghana?
Sally McGowan:
The owner of Hands of Mercy has called today and Sally will be speaking with other officials about this immediately as there is conflicting information being presented to families.
This is a priority.
MM:
Has a breakdown of files/countries for us – for Ontario.
Is available for other provinces as well.
Karyn:
What about families verbally matched but not referred? This is another category not listed on these numbers.
Sally McGowan:
This is a conversation we can have with BDO on Thursday.
Lianne:
You mentioned that accreditation is frozen at this time – will that affect the court dates of future adoptions?
Sally McGowan:
NEW ACCREDITATION is frozen – not IA’s current accreditation.
MM:
We don’t want anything to jeopardize that accreditation.
IN CONCLUSION:
Minister Matthews:
Is the hotline and website set up by the ministry sufficient for communication?
This does not have to be the conclusion of our communication – the ministry wants to keep clear and efficient communication.
Aasif:
This meeting has been very helpful to us and he is hopeful we can meet again in the coming weeks.
MM:
Absolutely. She looks forward to the day she can meet these little babies in the future.
Rob:
Thank you for hearing us and assisting us in this process, a process we know is long term and critical to the ongoing success of international adoption.
July 28th, 2009
In Attendance:
Minister Deb Matthews
Chris Carson – Chief of Staff
Marilyn Renwick - Administrator
Paris
Chris Shantz – Minister’s Senior Policy Advisor
Sally McGowan – Director of Children and Youth Services
FIA Steering Committee Chairs & Co-chairs
Calling of Meeting to Order and Introductions
Deb Matthews:
Hoping to gain a better understanding of what our needs are.
Wants to ensure her ministry is doing everything possible to assist us.
They will not hold anything back and will be honest with us.
Feel we have the same goal – uniting us with our children through the adoption process.
Want us to understand what they can do to help us and what their responsibilities are.
Christine:
Introduction of her role and the opening statement:
Thanks to the ministry and apologies for isolated inaccurate statements with regards to comments in the media about the ministry’s lack of cooperation.
Thankful for the expedited visas but asking for more.
Concerned about the Ghana and Ecuador programs and St.Anne’s organization.
We are now asking for a clear plan to ensure that ALL files are completed from ALL programs.
We are hoping this meeting will result in assurances and concrete answers from the ministry to ensure all files are completed successfully.
This will most likely mean the ministry may have to go outside the normal boundaries of their responsibility.
We do not want false hopes but a realistic plan that we can support.
Ellen:
Presents our questions for answers/clarification.
These are from the questions we left with the ministry after our Friday meeting.
Minister Matthews:
Thank you for acknowledging the hard work of the ministry.
Her hope is that the creditors will come up with a solution to keep IA viable.
Can’t foresee what will happen at the Thursday meeting with BDO – but they want us to succeed.
The ministry will bend over backwards to make that happen – within the boundaries of the law.
Aware of the danger to lose accreditation with Ethiopia – but they are committed to maintaining a healthy relationship with international officials.
Should the agency be unrevivable – the home studies are portable. Therefore, those files would be transferred to another agency.
Questions for Minister Matthews from Families of Imagine Adoption
· At our last meeting, Sally McGowan stated that the Ministry is working with the other provinces to understand more about the families impacted by Imagine Adoption’s Bankruptcy outside of Ontario. We understand that an inter-provincial call took place on Friday. Please provide an update on what was discussed on the call and any decisions that were made.
· We know that the ministry is having regular conversations with HRSDC’s Intercountry Adoptions Services unit and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. What are the outcomes of these discussions? Can we feel assured that the right action is being taken at the Federal level to ensure critical relationships with the national governments in the countries Imagine Adoption worked with are being maintained?
Sally McGowan:
Citizen and Immigration, International Trade and International Affairs spoke together on a call last week. Ministry of Children and Youth Services gained a better understanding through this conversation about the process and how things are being managed on the ground.
These departments plan on communicating regularly to share information on the different country programs and on the family files from other provinces.
Ellen:
What exactly are you hearing from these departments? What are the conversations with regards to MOWA?
Sally McGowan:
MOWA will report back to the ministry on Friday with regards to the accreditation and licensing on the Ethiopian end.
Minister Matthews:
Have we had the opportunity to speak with other government officials?
Rob:
We have had the ear of MP Glen Pearson up to this point but the other MPs are in Quebec on retreat at this time so we’re on hold with them right now.
Minister Matthews:
How about on the public service side?
Ellen:
No – not yet. We are only now beginning to understand this aspect of Federal government.
Chris – Chief of Staff:
Has liased with Minister Kenny’s chief of staff and have scheduled ongoing calls between those two ministers. Also liaising with Minister Finley’s office.
.
· We recognize that any concrete decisions on the future status of Imagine Adoption are based on BDO Dunwoody’s financial assessment of the agency, but what options are currently being considered?
· Our priority as families impacted by Imagine Adoption is to ensure that all families that have signed a retainer with Imagine Adoption are able to complete their adoptions. Is the Ministry of Children and Youth Services committed to:
1. Expediting a license, if required, as quickly as possible; and
2. Exercising the Ministry’s power to act an interim licensee to continue to facilitate adoptions while Imagine Adoption is restructured.
Minister Matthews:
We can’t speculate about what might happen Thursday.
The ministry is not in the international adoption business and is not planning to become so.
They will support plans but won’t be the plan themselves.
Ellen:
We understand there might be some viable options, but if there isn’t – does the ministry still feel the same way?
Minister Matthews:
Can’t speculate on all the “what ifs”.
Rob:
Would the ministry give us time to group our thoughts and formulate our plan after the meeting on Thursday?
MM:
Yes.
Sally McGowan:
It could be that BDO acts strictly in their position as shutting down the business of IA.
BDO has assured the ministry however, that they are willing to go beyond that to put a viable solution in place.
BDO has confirmed that they are reviewing possible plans to keep the agency viable – and the ministry is committed to expediting this plan.
Ministry has been communicating with other agencies across Canada to gain understanding and form relationships should IA clients need to transfer their files to another agency or that agency step in to assist us.
If there are possible plans for viability of the agency – the ministry doesn’t want to put any artificial deadlines in place. They are committed to ensuring any proposed plan is viable – don’t want to find ourselves in this situation again.
They do however, recognize the time sensitive nature of this situation.
· At our last meeting we expressed our concern that Dr. Palacios, Imagine’s lawyer in Ecuador would not take any action to continue to facilitate adoptions until he got clear direction from the Ministry, or Sue Hayhow. Terre Des Homme, an agency looking into the possibility of taking over our files, cannot take any action until this is resolved. Has the Ministry contacted Dr. Palacio? If not, will the Ministry take immediate action to do so?
MM:
That communication is happening as we speak.
Sally McGowan:
Have a Spanish speaking staff member who is communicating directly with Dr.Palacio and with Ecuadorian officials.
* We understand the short turnaround time between our meeting on Friday and today. We left a very specific list of questions with your staff at Friday's meeting. When can we expect answers to those questions?
OTHER QUESTIONS FROM FIA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Rob:
Reporting fees and requirements for families who are home with their children already. Trying to fulfill the reporting requirements as required by Ethiopian authorities. Can the ministry help us with this situation?
Sally McGowan:
It has been raised with the federal government and MOWA. It has been asked several times on the hotline.
She will raise it with the high commission on our behalf.
Aasif:
How can we as citizens be assured that this situation will not occur again?
Ironically, we thought the risk of this process lay in the international country.
MM:
A lot of learning will happen throughout this process and I’m sure we will come to conclusions later and be reflective.
A license means that an agency will comply with the law – safety of children, 47 steps to meet before being licensed.
The ministry will look beyond the immediate crisis later.
If fraud has occurred, she is not sure the ministry could have prevented this.
Other agencies may want to strengthen the system voluntarily as the process of international adoption is taking a hit from this in general.
Sally McGowan:
What the ministry looks at when licensing (financially):
An outline of the fees paid by families to the agency.
Then an outline of the monies paid on behalf of the family by the agency.
Rob:
Without a full review of financial statements, often perception and reality are disconnected. Necessary to provide accurate information.
James Boyle:
BDO is also not in the international adoption business. Who is helping them wade through this aspect of the bankruptcy?
Sally McGowan:
BDO is working with lawyer Ted Giesbreicht.
Ministry is working with BDO to ensure any proposal put forward meets the 47 licensing criteria.
Christine:
Could you share with us any candidates as we have people approaching us who might be able to fill needs?
Sally McGowan:
Discussions are happening with Susan Taves.
The ministry will combine proposals etc. to help BDO put a viable candidate/proposal in place.
Susan Taves is on a steep learning curve. Ie. Donation for the transition house.
This is a spirit of the law vs. letter of the law situation.
Lianne:
Who should be pro-active to find the viable solution once the money aspect is sorted out on Thursday?
Sally McGowan:
BDO has people knocking at their door with regards to proposals.
This is a conversation we need to have with BDO on Thursday.
If we have people approaching us, ask them to go to BDO with it.
Denise:
BDO is not representing St.Anne’s families. How is the relationship working between the three branches?
Sally McGowan:
The ministry is working on all branches simultaneously – with the understanding that BDO’s job is IA.
It is not a hierarchy for the ministry – they are working on all aspects.
Rob:
How many licenses have been extended to IA?
Sally McGowan:
There are 2 licenses.
David:
What is happening with Ghana?
Sally McGowan:
The owner of Hands of Mercy has called today and Sally will be speaking with other officials about this immediately as there is conflicting information being presented to families.
This is a priority.
MM:
Has a breakdown of files/countries for us – for Ontario.
Is available for other provinces as well.
Karyn:
What about families verbally matched but not referred? This is another category not listed on these numbers.
Sally McGowan:
This is a conversation we can have with BDO on Thursday.
Lianne:
You mentioned that accreditation is frozen at this time – will that affect the court dates of future adoptions?
Sally McGowan:
NEW ACCREDITATION is frozen – not IA’s current accreditation.
MM:
We don’t want anything to jeopardize that accreditation.
IN CONCLUSION:
Minister Matthews:
Is the hotline and website set up by the ministry sufficient for communication?
This does not have to be the conclusion of our communication – the ministry wants to keep clear and efficient communication.
Aasif:
This meeting has been very helpful to us and he is hopeful we can meet again in the coming weeks.
MM:
Absolutely. She looks forward to the day she can meet these little babies in the future.
Rob:
Thank you for hearing us and assisting us in this process, a process we know is long term and critical to the ongoing success of international adoption.
FIA Steering Committee Minutes - Conference call Monday, July 27, 2009
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING:
DATE: Monday July 27th
TIME: 6:30 pm (EST)
AGENDA:
Christine:
Busy week – thank you everyone for all your work.
Chris has stepped down as our rep for the African program – we need a new rep (Ghana? Since that program is in dire need).
Introduce our regional reps – Mike from BC and Ruth from Manitoba and Tammy from Alberta
Government Liaison Committee:
1. Update
Ellen:
Sent out invitation to all chairs and co-chairs. 2 spokespeople from the Gov. Liason Committee to present our agenda.
Minister Matthews will start the meeting with a statement and then we can present our agenda.
We shouldn’t be expecting any specific information on the future of IA at this time – but rather an opportunity to reiterate our questions directly to the minister.
Christine will start the meeting off, then Ellen will present our questions to the minister. There will be time at the end of the meeting (OPEN) for everyone else to ask questions.
REMINDER: This relationship is critical. Try to keep our emotions in check.
Ruth:
Supports what we are aiming to do/presenting.
Mike:
Concerned about what is being presented in the media.
2. Set objectives for meeting with Minister Deb Matthews on Tuesday
Ellen:
Specific follow up questions to Friday’s meeting:
Interprovincial phone call – How did it go and what was resolved?
What is happening on a Federal Level – other than Visas? Foreign Affairs/International Trade?
Recognizing the ministry can’t make concrete commitments until BDO presents its plan – what are the options being considered?
All families be able to complete their adoptions – Can the ministry expedite a licence and/or act as a director for the interim until IA is restructured?
Ecuador – Has the ministry made any contact with Dr.Pe_________?
Aasif:
Do we have answers to the St.Ann’s issue? NO
Did they commit on when they would provide answers to the questions we left behind? NO CONCRETE TIMELINE
Can you update us on the meeting on Friday?
Ellen:
The meeting went as we expected – political with no real concrete answers.
Basically, we put our concerns forward.
Hopefully the minister will provide us with some additional information but don’t expect too much.
Lianne:
We need to make up for the misstep in the media with remarks to Minister Matthews.
Ellen:
That has been dealt with and reinforces the importance of our relationship with the ministry.
3. Identify Participants
All chairs and co-chairs? Kevin – NO
Meet at the 900 Bay street at 4pm to do interviews before we go into the meeting at 5pm.
4. Strategy re: Federal Government
5. Questions:
Tammy:
What questions should we be asking our provincial governments?
Ellen:
Push from an accountability aspect. Inter-jurisdictional confusion.
David:
Spoke to Paris today. Felt she presented a “veiled threat”. They are unhappy with our media scrum following the meeting on Friday.
Ellen:
Again, the relationship with the ministry is vital – must be cautious about the language we are using when talking to the media.
Christine:
Having said that, the Globe’s article had Minister Matthews trying to claim recognition for things the Federal government has done on our behalf.
David:
If they gave us something concrete from tomorrow’s meeting then we could present that to the media.
Rob:
Spoke with Deb Matthews today – the heat is on. She is feeling pressure from all sides. Perhaps we should present a statement to the media that has been given to the ministry in advance.
Ellen:
Maybe two statements ready to chose between depending on how the meeting goes. Beyond that, anyone else who speaks to the press needs to be guarded with regards to our impressions of the meeting.
David:
Keeping it personal to our story is the best way to deflect difficult questions. 5pm meeting time is intentional to try to keep media away. Allowing media to do interviews going into the meeting is going to be the answer to this problem.
Angelina Jolie’s manager just called him – asking what she can do to help. This is something we need to discuss.
Trustee Liaison Committee:
1. Update
Lianne:
Sent out a statement asking all families to submit a proof of claim – on time and accurately.
Next statement being sent out will suggest that families vote “no” to media presence in the meeting on Thursday. Media coverage outside the meeting is welcomed but since the meeting itself is going to reveal a lot of the scandal – we think it is in our best interest to keep the media out for this part.
We want all families to feel free to present any questions they have at this meeting.
A statement will be sent out on Wednesday with any FIA suggestions to voting and our recommendations for inspectors – they will also bring copies for those from out of province who won’t have access to email on Wednesday.
Ruth:
Can out of province families be inspectors?
Lianne:
Yes, only risk having to be there in person if all inspectors don’t agree to tele-conference.
People with financial backgrounds would be ideal for the role of inspectors (crunching numbers, business plan backgrounds, reviewing plans) and will be voted on at the meeting on Thursday. We need the best candidates to step forward.
Inspectors will be nominated at the meeting.
How long will the meeting be? All day probably.
How long does the inspector role last for? Perhaps a year or more. Creditors meetings, directing the trustee, overseeing the trustee, etc.
Ruth:
Can we put a call out on Yahoo with a list of qualifications of an inspector and ask possible candidates to come forward.
Lianne:
Sure – we’ll send it to Priscilla and she can get it out tonight or tomorrow morning.
Christine:
Can you put out a statement letting everyone know that Thursday is their opportunity to ask all their questions!
Lianne:
Sure – she’ll check with BDO to make sure this is how their agenda is going to be laid out and then post this information.
Ellen:
Yahoo site information was unclear with regards to the BDO claim form – is amount A and B different?
Lianne:
No, the same.
David:
It seems as though the “trust” fund was never set up at all.
Ellen:
After speaking to a board of director member today – it would seem as though the trust fund money was being used for operational expenses – that’s why they claimed bankruptcy to freeze those monies so no more were used for operating expenses/
2. Action Plan
Christine:
Calgary press got hold of the initial copy of the action plan – we are tabling that proposal as not everyone has had a chance to vote on it.
External Communications:
Up1. Update
David:
Feels we are running out of media interest after this week of meetings.
Don’t want to fabricate interest as it can be “campy”
Want to redirect the media as their natural path will be to the scandal part of the story – criminal and fraud charges.
Rob:
We can’t comment on the criminal/fraud part of the story – need to use those opportunities to talk about our stories.
Christine:
Keep this problem in our minds and we’ll revisit it next week.
2. Key Message re: Fraud Allegations and Possible Charges
Internal Communications:
1. Update (Website, Newsletter, Committee Members)
Priscilla:
Feels some of the panic is subsiding on the Yahoo and Facebook groups.
Appreciates the assistance in answering some of the questions on those groups.
Trying to divide up some of the work between more people as Kevin and she are bearing the brunt of the load.
Will send out the minutes from Friday’s meeting tomorrow morning – sorry she forgot to today.
Kevin:
Still working with Extreme Media for our website – getting the website changes and updates integrated.
Also – a link to Tammy’s blog.
Tammy:
The blog could be a tool for more media coverage – personal stories.
Priscilla:
Each media tool will carry a different stream of information: Blog=personal stories, Website=information, etc.
Ruth:
Families coming home with their children will be great for media interest.
2. Regional Communications
Tammy:
Action Plan? With regards to the “war chest” comment in media…
Priscilla/Christine:
Action plan is off the table at this time because of that.
Tammy:
Need to let families know what the FIA objective is as we are acting as their voice and they don’t know what we’re saying.
Lianne:
Agrees.
Rob:
That will be done immediately.
Lianne:
We can’t make decisions with regards to the bankruptcy – these decisions will all be put to votes.
Christine:
We’ll include this information as well.
Other:
1: re: Board of Directors contacting families:
Tammy:
Spoke to Allan Brown (IA board of directors) today – very willing to help us out and wanting to do whatever he can to assist.
Rob:
Cautioning us with regards to communication with Board Members as they will most likely be held accountable for this situation and we want to distance ourselves from all that mess. Director Liability Act
David:
Especially since Sue is saying the board was responsible for the mishandling of the money.
Aasif:
Do we need to caution all families on this issue?
Christine:
Feels like we need to think about this more before making a decision.
Lianne:
Do we know what Allan Brown’s connection to IA was before he became a board member?
Tammy:
Rick asked him to sit on the board
Rob:
He doesn’t doubt this man’s integrity – but feels like we need to be cautious as there are liability issues.
RESOLUTION: We’ll do damage control if this becomes an issue.
Lianne:
Socialize after the BDO meeting on Thursday?
Definitely – Del Dante’s
CONCLUSION:
Christine:
When should we meet again?
Tuesday August 5th – 630pm Conference Call
DATE: Monday July 27th
TIME: 6:30 pm (EST)
AGENDA:
Christine:
Busy week – thank you everyone for all your work.
Chris has stepped down as our rep for the African program – we need a new rep (Ghana? Since that program is in dire need).
Introduce our regional reps – Mike from BC and Ruth from Manitoba and Tammy from Alberta
Government Liaison Committee:
1. Update
Ellen:
Sent out invitation to all chairs and co-chairs. 2 spokespeople from the Gov. Liason Committee to present our agenda.
Minister Matthews will start the meeting with a statement and then we can present our agenda.
We shouldn’t be expecting any specific information on the future of IA at this time – but rather an opportunity to reiterate our questions directly to the minister.
Christine will start the meeting off, then Ellen will present our questions to the minister. There will be time at the end of the meeting (OPEN) for everyone else to ask questions.
REMINDER: This relationship is critical. Try to keep our emotions in check.
Ruth:
Supports what we are aiming to do/presenting.
Mike:
Concerned about what is being presented in the media.
2. Set objectives for meeting with Minister Deb Matthews on Tuesday
Ellen:
Specific follow up questions to Friday’s meeting:
Interprovincial phone call – How did it go and what was resolved?
What is happening on a Federal Level – other than Visas? Foreign Affairs/International Trade?
Recognizing the ministry can’t make concrete commitments until BDO presents its plan – what are the options being considered?
All families be able to complete their adoptions – Can the ministry expedite a licence and/or act as a director for the interim until IA is restructured?
Ecuador – Has the ministry made any contact with Dr.Pe_________?
Aasif:
Do we have answers to the St.Ann’s issue? NO
Did they commit on when they would provide answers to the questions we left behind? NO CONCRETE TIMELINE
Can you update us on the meeting on Friday?
Ellen:
The meeting went as we expected – political with no real concrete answers.
Basically, we put our concerns forward.
Hopefully the minister will provide us with some additional information but don’t expect too much.
Lianne:
We need to make up for the misstep in the media with remarks to Minister Matthews.
Ellen:
That has been dealt with and reinforces the importance of our relationship with the ministry.
3. Identify Participants
All chairs and co-chairs? Kevin – NO
Meet at the 900 Bay street at 4pm to do interviews before we go into the meeting at 5pm.
4. Strategy re: Federal Government
5. Questions:
Tammy:
What questions should we be asking our provincial governments?
Ellen:
Push from an accountability aspect. Inter-jurisdictional confusion.
David:
Spoke to Paris today. Felt she presented a “veiled threat”. They are unhappy with our media scrum following the meeting on Friday.
Ellen:
Again, the relationship with the ministry is vital – must be cautious about the language we are using when talking to the media.
Christine:
Having said that, the Globe’s article had Minister Matthews trying to claim recognition for things the Federal government has done on our behalf.
David:
If they gave us something concrete from tomorrow’s meeting then we could present that to the media.
Rob:
Spoke with Deb Matthews today – the heat is on. She is feeling pressure from all sides. Perhaps we should present a statement to the media that has been given to the ministry in advance.
Ellen:
Maybe two statements ready to chose between depending on how the meeting goes. Beyond that, anyone else who speaks to the press needs to be guarded with regards to our impressions of the meeting.
David:
Keeping it personal to our story is the best way to deflect difficult questions. 5pm meeting time is intentional to try to keep media away. Allowing media to do interviews going into the meeting is going to be the answer to this problem.
Angelina Jolie’s manager just called him – asking what she can do to help. This is something we need to discuss.
Trustee Liaison Committee:
1. Update
Lianne:
Sent out a statement asking all families to submit a proof of claim – on time and accurately.
Next statement being sent out will suggest that families vote “no” to media presence in the meeting on Thursday. Media coverage outside the meeting is welcomed but since the meeting itself is going to reveal a lot of the scandal – we think it is in our best interest to keep the media out for this part.
We want all families to feel free to present any questions they have at this meeting.
A statement will be sent out on Wednesday with any FIA suggestions to voting and our recommendations for inspectors – they will also bring copies for those from out of province who won’t have access to email on Wednesday.
Ruth:
Can out of province families be inspectors?
Lianne:
Yes, only risk having to be there in person if all inspectors don’t agree to tele-conference.
People with financial backgrounds would be ideal for the role of inspectors (crunching numbers, business plan backgrounds, reviewing plans) and will be voted on at the meeting on Thursday. We need the best candidates to step forward.
Inspectors will be nominated at the meeting.
How long will the meeting be? All day probably.
How long does the inspector role last for? Perhaps a year or more. Creditors meetings, directing the trustee, overseeing the trustee, etc.
Ruth:
Can we put a call out on Yahoo with a list of qualifications of an inspector and ask possible candidates to come forward.
Lianne:
Sure – we’ll send it to Priscilla and she can get it out tonight or tomorrow morning.
Christine:
Can you put out a statement letting everyone know that Thursday is their opportunity to ask all their questions!
Lianne:
Sure – she’ll check with BDO to make sure this is how their agenda is going to be laid out and then post this information.
Ellen:
Yahoo site information was unclear with regards to the BDO claim form – is amount A and B different?
Lianne:
No, the same.
David:
It seems as though the “trust” fund was never set up at all.
Ellen:
After speaking to a board of director member today – it would seem as though the trust fund money was being used for operational expenses – that’s why they claimed bankruptcy to freeze those monies so no more were used for operating expenses/
2. Action Plan
Christine:
Calgary press got hold of the initial copy of the action plan – we are tabling that proposal as not everyone has had a chance to vote on it.
External Communications:
Up1. Update
David:
Feels we are running out of media interest after this week of meetings.
Don’t want to fabricate interest as it can be “campy”
Want to redirect the media as their natural path will be to the scandal part of the story – criminal and fraud charges.
Rob:
We can’t comment on the criminal/fraud part of the story – need to use those opportunities to talk about our stories.
Christine:
Keep this problem in our minds and we’ll revisit it next week.
2. Key Message re: Fraud Allegations and Possible Charges
Internal Communications:
1. Update (Website, Newsletter, Committee Members)
Priscilla:
Feels some of the panic is subsiding on the Yahoo and Facebook groups.
Appreciates the assistance in answering some of the questions on those groups.
Trying to divide up some of the work between more people as Kevin and she are bearing the brunt of the load.
Will send out the minutes from Friday’s meeting tomorrow morning – sorry she forgot to today.
Kevin:
Still working with Extreme Media for our website – getting the website changes and updates integrated.
Also – a link to Tammy’s blog.
Tammy:
The blog could be a tool for more media coverage – personal stories.
Priscilla:
Each media tool will carry a different stream of information: Blog=personal stories, Website=information, etc.
Ruth:
Families coming home with their children will be great for media interest.
2. Regional Communications
Tammy:
Action Plan? With regards to the “war chest” comment in media…
Priscilla/Christine:
Action plan is off the table at this time because of that.
Tammy:
Need to let families know what the FIA objective is as we are acting as their voice and they don’t know what we’re saying.
Lianne:
Agrees.
Rob:
That will be done immediately.
Lianne:
We can’t make decisions with regards to the bankruptcy – these decisions will all be put to votes.
Christine:
We’ll include this information as well.
Other:
1: re: Board of Directors contacting families:
Tammy:
Spoke to Allan Brown (IA board of directors) today – very willing to help us out and wanting to do whatever he can to assist.
Rob:
Cautioning us with regards to communication with Board Members as they will most likely be held accountable for this situation and we want to distance ourselves from all that mess. Director Liability Act
David:
Especially since Sue is saying the board was responsible for the mishandling of the money.
Aasif:
Do we need to caution all families on this issue?
Christine:
Feels like we need to think about this more before making a decision.
Lianne:
Do we know what Allan Brown’s connection to IA was before he became a board member?
Tammy:
Rick asked him to sit on the board
Rob:
He doesn’t doubt this man’s integrity – but feels like we need to be cautious as there are liability issues.
RESOLUTION: We’ll do damage control if this becomes an issue.
Lianne:
Socialize after the BDO meeting on Thursday?
Definitely – Del Dante’s
CONCLUSION:
Christine:
When should we meet again?
Tuesday August 5th – 630pm Conference Call
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