Web Message for Minister of State (Public Health)

National Child Day
November 20

Every year Canadians set aside a special day that is dedicated to celebration of our children. This day is November 20, National Child Day.

In 1993, the Government of Canada enacted the Child Day Act, designating November 20 of each year as a national day of the child in order to promote awareness of children's rights. The date November 20 is significant as it is the date of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the UN adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

In May 2002, a delegation of Canadian young people spoke to the General Assembly of the United Nations at the Special Session on Children. There, they asked for a "world fit for children because a world fit for us is a world fit for everyone." Canada heard this call and asked that these young people, along with other groups and individuals from across Canada, come together to help find ways to improve the lives of children everywhere. What resulted is A Canada Fit for Children.

A Canada Fit for Children is a declaration of Canada's commitment to children. It reaffirms the importance that all sectors of Canadian society place on children, an importance underscored by the Government of Canada's annual investment of more than $13 billion in children and families. A Canada Fit for Children outlines a plan of action on children's issues over the next decade, reflecting four central themes: supporting families and strengthening communities, promoting healthy lives, protecting from harm, and promoting education and learning.

On this occasion, I would like to emphasize that children and youth are a top priority of the new Public Health Agency of Canada. The Agency contributes to a number of initiatives and programs geared towards protecting and improving the health and well-being of children and youth.

National Child Day is a day set aside for us to celebrate our accomplishments and look towards a bright future for all children and youth everywhere. I encourage all Canadians to become involved in their local celebrations across the country. This is an important day. Please take some time out on November 20 this year to honour our next generation and our future.