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York Region Children’s Aid Society
Main Office
16915 Leslie Street
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 9A1Dear Members of the Board of Directors York Region Children’s Aid Society,
We are writing to you today as OPSEU/SEFPO members working at the York Region Children’s Aid Society (YRCAS) with deep concern regarding the Board’s continued refusal to release the results of the most recent workplace assessment conducted by Agree Inc.
Five years ago, YRCAS underwent a publicly funded operational review that was intended to be a turning point—a moment to confront the racism, anti-Black racism, bullying, and harassment that staff had been courageously naming for years. That review produced clear, achievable recommendations, including transparency and independent accountability through an Ombudsman. Five years later, we are not in the same position—we are worse off.
Leadership at YRCAS is choosing the familiar path of avoidance, launching another workplace assessment while simultaneously failing to address issues identified in the first report – repeating the cycle of broken trust at our workplace.
When this most recent assessment was announced, staff were repeatedly assured that the findings would be shared in full. In April 2025, Agree Inc. stated clearly, “Everyone will receive the report that comes out of the consultation process.” This was reaffirmed on May 5, 2025, when Board Chair Saira Salman wrote to all staff on behalf of the Board confirming that “All staff will receive a copy of the final report to ensure full transparency and shared understanding of the findings and next steps.”
However, by October 2025, staff were told that only “key findings” would be shared, this was then walked back when the Board shifted its position again, stating that the full report would be shared but only once a new CEO is hired and at a time determined by the Board – further deferring the responsibility of transparency to a future CEO who has not even been hired.
Staff are currently experiencing some of the worst conditions we have seen at this agency, and rather than addressing these realities, the Board continues to delay and deflect the action needed in our organization. Staff should not have to wait for new leadership for the accountability and transparency that was promised to us. Many of us chose to share our experiences based on the explicit commitment to transparency, and it is disappointing to see members of the YRCAS repeatedly changing their narrative about disclosure – directly undermining the trust and credibility the agency claims to be rebuilding.
There must be immediate and concrete action to address the systemic issues within our workplace. That action begins with the Board taking responsibility and releasing the Agree Inc. report in its entirety without further conditions. This report was built using our voices and our lived experiences on the front lines, delivering services to some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and families in our community – and we will continue to demand the transparency, accountability, and respect that workers deserve.
Sincerely,
OPSEU/SEFPO Members York Region Children’s Aid Society
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