National Children's Agenda -
Backgrounder
Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments have been working together to develop
the National Children's Agenda. The core of the Agenda is its vision and
values for children, founded on the belief that children's well-being
is a priority for all Canadians. The Agenda also sets out goals for our
children and ourselves, and suggests ways Canadians can work together
to achieve these goals. The Agenda discusses tracking children's progress
and sharing information in order that we can know how to reach our goals.
Goals of the National Children's Agenda
The goals of the National Children's Agenda are focused on four measurable areas: health; safety
and security; success at learning; and social engagement and responsibility.
- Healthy-Physically and Emotionally - Children who are as physically and emotionally healthy as they can be, with strong self-esteem, life skills and enthusiasm.
- Safe and Secure - Children whose basic needs are met, including love, shelter,
food, clothing, recreation and play. Children who are protected from abuse,
neglect, exploitation and dangerous environments, and who are given support
by caring adults.
- Successful at Learning - Children who achieve physical, emotional and social development,
language skills, literacy, numeracy and general knowledge to the best
of their capabilities.
- Socially Engaged and Responsible - Children who can form stable attachments to nurturing adults when they are young
and develop supportive relationships within and outside their families.
Federal Commitment to First Nation Communitites
The Government of Canada has responsibility for funding social and health programs for First
Nations communities. The government also made a commitment in Gathering
Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, to support strong Aboriginal
communities, people and economies.
First Nations Perspective
Through their work on the National Children's Agenda, First Nations identified their priorities
for children. They include childcare services, prenatal care, family healing and poverty.
The Assembly of First Nations participates in the Aboriginal Technical Working Group on Children
and Family Issues along with the other four national Aboriginal organizations,
the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the Métis National Council, the
Native's Women's Association of Canada and the Congress of Aboriginal
Peoples. All are committed to the National Children's Agenda and are an
ongoing mechanism for ensuring the inclusion of an Aboriginal perspective
in its development.
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