A former manager with B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Family Development is facing child pornography charges.
Crown counsel has approved charges of possessing and accessing child pornography against Edward Owen Berry, 51, for offences alleged to have taken place in Prince George in April, criminal justice branch spokesman Neil Mackenzie confirmed Tuesday.
He said Berry is scheduled to make a first appearance in Prince George provincial court on Wed., Jan. 28 when a remand day is held at the courthouse.
In a press release, Prince George RCMP said an investigation began in June and Berry was arrested and taken into custody on Dec. 16 after a suspect was identified. He was an employee of MCFD at the time of his arrest, RCMP also said.
Berry was later released by a justice of the peace on several conditions including no contact with anyone under the age of 16 and not to possess any device that allows internet access, police said.
Berry maintains homes in Prince George and Vancouver, police said.
In last year's annual report for the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations, Berry was welcomed to his executive director position at the ministry and said he is a former foster parent.
According to a post on the B.C. College of Social Workers, Berry ran for election to the College.
On the post, Berry said he is based in Prince George but works throughout northern B.C. and while his practice has predominantly been in child welfare, he was responsible for child and youth mental health, youth justice and children and youth with special needs services for the northeast and north central areas of B.C.
The post also says he was appointed to the board of registration for social workers in 1997 and served as member and chair for five years and was elected to the college in 2010 and served for three years.
Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux, who is in Prince George for the Natural Resources Forum, provided a statement when she met with local media.
Cadieux said she can confirm a former employee is currently facing criminal charges but did not provide a name.
"The nature of that charge is deeply concerning to all of us, including to members of the ministry's dedicated staff who work every day to make a positive difference in the life of a child," Cadieux said.
"While I cannot speak to any of the specifics in this circumstance, what I can say is we take this matter very seriously. Our number one priority is always to protect and support children, youth and families."
She said MCFD is fully cooperating with police on the matter.
"I want to assure the public that the ministry sets a high standard when hiring staff and requires criminal record checks for any position that directly delivers services to children and families," Cadieux said. "As well, all staff must abide by the standards of conduct set by the public service agency for all public servants."
With the matter now before the court, Cadieux said she is not able to comment further.
