Much ado has been made concerning top bureaucrat Alison MacPhail's depature from children and family development. Unfortunately, unlike the premier's deputy minister, Jessica McDonald, Ms. MacPhail wasn't giving out interviews of explanation. But, in an email sent earlier this morning, she did give these words to her staffers: "It is with mixed emotions that I must tell you that I have accepted a new assignment with government." The following is a complete copy of that email.

From: MacMillan, Karen MCF:EX On Behalf Of MacPhail, Alison J MCF:EX
Sent: Thu, February 9, 2006 8:58 AM
Subject: Note from Alison MacPhail

It is with mixed emotions that I must tell you that I have accepted a new assignment with government. Effective immediately, I will be taking on new responsibilities to lead a justice reform initiative at the Ministry of Attorney General, aimed at integrating social services with the court system. This will include a focus on those offenders who are frequent clients of both social programs and the justice system. This is an exciting opportunity for me to combine both my interest in an effective justice system with the need to find new ways to integrate government services across ministry lines.

At the same time I am going to miss my friends and colleagues at MCFD tremendously. It has been an incredibly rewarding two years at MCFD.

There are no more important services than the ones this ministry provides to children and families, and there are no more professional and dedicated public servants in government. There are wonderful staff at every level of the organization. I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, supportive and collaborative executive. And at every meeting with staff and in every office I have been to, I have been delighted at the passion and creativity with which people approach their work. This is the ministry's strength, and is a great foundation for your work in the years ahead.

With the appointment of Arn Van Iersel as acting Deputy Minister, I know I leave the ministry in good hands, and I hope to stay in touch with you - and indeed hope to have the opportunity to work with many of you again as we try to find ways to better integrate government services across ministry lines.