NDP MPP Michael Prue (Beaches—East York) says Minister of Children and Youth Services Deb Matthews needs to meet with prospective Ontario parents affected by the bankruptcy of Cambridge-based Imagine Adoption at the earliest opportunity.

“These parents are worried sick about what may happen to the children they were about to adopt. Some of them were close to completing the long and complicated adoption process,” said Prue.

“The parents want to share their concerns with the Minister. Given the emotional roller-coaster they’re being put through, that’s not a lot to ask. The Minister needs to make time to meet them as soon as possible to help find a solution.”

Prue has heard from four families in his riding who were dealing with Imagine Adoption.

“For these families, the bankruptcy is not about the thousands of dollars in fees potentially lost,” he said.

“It’s about the possibility that they will not be given the opportunity to provide a loving home to these children.”

Prue noted that the McGuinty government is responsible for licensing international adoption agencies under the Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998.

“Minister Matthews and her government have jurisdictional responsibility. She needs to step in and assume that responsibility for the benefit of the parents and children affected,” he said.