November 17, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ministers Dosanjh, Bennett and Dryden invite Canadians to celebrate National Child Day on November 20

OTTAWA—The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health), and the Honourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, invite all Canadians to celebrate National Child Day, Sunday, November 20. The theme for this year, The Right to Play, celebrates every child's right to rest and leisure, and to engage in play and recreational activities including cultural and artistic activities.

"Playing helps children refuel their minds and bodies and it pays off in better health throughout their lives," stated Minister Dosanjh. "It can help them make new friends, feel better about their bodies, build strong muscles and bones, and strengthen their hearts."

"Through community programs, Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Children and Youth, and activities such as Summeractive, the Public Health Agency of Canada supports and encourages children and their families to play and grow together," said Minister Bennett.

Both Ministers Dosanjh and Bennett noted that as part of the recently announced $300 million Integrated Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease, the Government of Canada will be launching initiatives to help children—and all Canadians—live healthier lives.

"When children are playing—whether they are climbing play structures in a park or engaged in organized sports—they are exploring, doing, moving, and learning all limits of things in all kinds of ways that will stay with them through school and throughout their lives," said Minister Dryden. "At Social Development Canada, we are working to help Canadian children achieve their full possibilities and for families to have the support they need to be able to care for and nurture them."

"For National Child Day, as parents and kids, let's take some time to play," added Minister Dryden.

National Child Day, November 20, marks the day of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. By ratifying this Convention in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect.

-30-

For more information on National Child Day, visit:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/ncd-jna/main_e.html 

For more information on Social Development Canada, visit:
www.sdc.gc.ca

For more information:

Media Relations
Social Development Canada
(613) 941-1110

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189

Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983