News Release
1999-136
November 19, 1999
Government calls for commitment to Canada's children and youth
OTTAWA - As we prepare to celebrate children on National Child Day, November 20, the Government of Canada is calling on all Canadians - every citizen, every government, every business and every community organization - to join in making a commitment to children and youth, to ensure that Canada is the best place to raise children, to learn, and to pursue opportunity.
"We know today more than ever that investing in the early years is the best investment we can make because these years are crucial to health, ability to learn, and eventual success in life," said Health Minister Allan Rock. "Let us make it a national mission, a national commitment to children to ensure that our youngest citizens are given the best conditions to develop to their full potential. This is an investment in our future."
"Investing in children in this country is a top priority,'' said Human Resources and Development Minister Jane Stewart." This government understands that the relationship between workplace and the family has changed. While we all recognize the important role parents play in raising healthy children, we also recognize they need the support of their community, their employers, and their governments in order to do the best they can.''
"This special day is a time for each of us to celebrate the potential and uniqueness of our children and youth," said Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State for Children and Youth. "It is also a day to reflect on the needs of our children and youth within our communities. Our youth need our support if they are to become contributing members of our communities in future years."
"Our commitment to children is not limited to Canada - it`s for children everywhere. Through our work in health, education, protection and participation, we are actively promoting the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in developing countries," said Minister for International Cooperation Maria Minna. "Promoting children`s rights is a very effective way to reduce child poverty and build peaceful and sustainable communities."
The Government of Canada believes that the strength of our society will depend on the investments we make today - as a nation - in families and children. Therefore, the Government has made children a top priority. It will:
- work with the provinces and territories to put in place an action plan by December 2000 to further strengthen the community support for early childhood development;
- make a third significant investment in the National Child Benefit by July 2001;
- put more dollars in the hands of families with children through further tax relief;
- lengthen and make more flexible Employment Insurance benefits for parental leave;
- make the Government of Canada's own workplace policies and those of federally-regulated employers more family-friendly; and
- modernize family law to ensure that, in instances of divorce or separation, the needs of children come first.
The Government of Canada also believes that young Canadians must have access to the tools and educational opportunities they need to develop their skills, therefore, it will enhance employment and training programs for the young, and improve access to post-secondary education.
On November 20, Canadians of all ages are encouraged to celebrate children, their uniqueness and their potential. Celebrations will take place from coast-to-coast-to-coast, in schools, daycare centres, homes, local communities and on Parliament Hill. To learn more about National Child Day, young people, families and those who work with children who can send electronic postcards to their friends and relatives by clicking on the National Child Day page on Public Health Agency of Canada's Web site at  http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/ncd-jna/main_e.html.
The Government of Canada designated November 20 as National Child Day in 1993 to commemorate two historic United Nations events: the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959 and the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989. This year, National Child Day marks the tenth anniversary of the Convention.
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Media Inquiries
Derek Kent
Office of Allan Rock
(613) 957-1515
Brigitte Nolet
Office of Jane Stewart
(819) 994-2482
Malcolm Longmore
Office of Ethel Blondin-Andrew
(819) 992-1388
Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991
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