VICTORIA — The B.C. government has introduced legislation to establish a new, independent children's watchdog.

The B.C. Liberals were roundly criticized last month by former judge Ted Hughes for making harmful budget cuts and scrapping independent oversight of child protection.

Attorney General Wally Oppal has tabled Bill 34, aimed at establishing the mechanism, as recommended by Hughes, to appoint a new representative for children and youth as an independent officer of the legislature.

Oppal says the new officer will be able to review and investigate deaths and critical injuries that occur within the child welfare system.

To date, the Campbell government has refused to apologize for the damage done to child protection chronicled in Ted Hughes' 172-page review.

The Hughes' report was triggered in part by the death of a 19-month-old girl in Port Alberni who was beaten to death by her uncle after being placed with him despite his record of violence.