3 employees suspended at French Yellowknife daycare over alleged misconduct

Three employees at a Yellowknife daycare have been suspended over allegations of misconduct, according to a letter from the daycare sent to parents this week and obtained by CBC News.

As first reported by Cabin Radio, the letter from Garderie Plein Soleil executive director Marlene Gravel said the French daycare is investigating the incidents and is receiving legal advice.

According to the letter, three incidents took place before Christmas.

The letter says the three employees have been suspended while the daycare awaits the results of the investigation.

Eva Bellevance, the vice-president of Garderie Plein Soleil's board of directors, told Radio-Canada she couldn't share details about the incidents for privacy reasons.

"We reassure [parents] that the daycare is adhering to its internal policies and all applicable legal requirements," Bellevance said.

Bellevance said the three staff were suspended with pay.

"The suspension is a preventive administration measure used when ... facts need to be examined. It does not constitute a conclusion or a judgment," Bellevance said.

"The security and the well-being of the children is our number one priority at the moment."

Bellevance said the RCMP have also been approached but she would not confirm whether an investigation was taking place. The RCMP did not return CBC's request for comment.

In a statement to CBC News, the N.W.T.'s Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) said the employees had been suspended on Dec. 18 and it is "aware of alleged incidents."

"ECE is currently gathering information to determine whether an investigation related to legislative non-compliance is required," the statement said.