Those who follow the goings on a children and family development have often wondered what the relationship is like between deputy minister Lesley du Toit and child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. Well, there's been lots of idle gossip about that question as of late. But, what we do know for sure is that, last year, "agreement was made between the DM and the Representative that they will meet once very (sic) four months." This, according to confidential leadership team meeting minutes obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request. The following is the relevant portion of that document.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING MINUTES
Strictly Confidential

Meeting Minutes for December 6, 2006

Attendance: Lesley Du Toit, Craig Wilkinson, Mark Sieben, Chuck Earner, Karen Dellert, Nikki McCallum, Deb Foxcroft, Doug Hughes, Alan Markwart, Pat Doyle, Chuck Eamer, Bev Dicks, Stan Williams
Absent: Kelly Gleeson, Doug Hayman, Donna Knox, Peter Cunningham

15. Marey Ellen Turpel-Lalond - the Deputy- the Deputy Minister gave a brief description of her initial discussion with the new Representative. Agreement was made between the DM and the Representative that they will meet once very four months.

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