Growing up in government care in Manitoba was difficult. The deep politicization of child welfare didn't help matters. Polarized public opinion and a controversy-avoidant government shaped the legislation and policies that affected my day-to-day life.

What happens to kids who authorities determine can't live safely with their own parents or caregivers? Thousands of Canadian children are in this situation right now. Many go into foster homes, while others go into other types of out-of-home care on behalf of child welfare agencies. But we don't know how many, nor do we know how well they are doing.

"Any claim that the ministry will not be supplying Christmas gifts for children in care is absolutely inaccurate and it is very concerning that this erroneous message was sent to a client," said B.C. Children and Families ministry. We have two sources making the same allegations, an email transcript backing up those allegations and a government denying all of it.