November 19, 2009
Statement to the Legislature by Laurel Broten,
Minister of Children and Youth Services
Unanimous Consent Statement
Universal Children’s Day and National Child Day
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to mark the United Nations' Universal Children’s Day and Canada’s National Child Day, which is tomorrow, November 20th.
Universal Children’s Day has a longstanding history and has been recognized around the world for more than five decades.
In Canada, we’ve officially marked November 20th as National Child Day since the passage of the Child Day Act in 1994.
National Child Day commemorates the United Nations’ adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
This day represents our shared commitment as a nation to respect the rights of children.
These rights are: to be heard, to be protected, and to be provided with opportunities to reach their full potential.
Mr. Speaker, this government takes these rights seriously.
From protecting children from sexual exploitation with the Child Pornography Reporting Act, to providing Grade 8 girls with access to the HPV vaccine, to doubling our investments in summer jobs for youth through our Youth Opportunities Strategy, we take the responsibility to provide every opportunity and support for kids seriously.
Internationally, when we look to other jurisdictions, we see significant progress made as a result of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. For instance, in South Africa, we see the creation of a separate youth justice system and in Finland, we see a number of initiatives inspired by the Convention, from early childhood education to an action plan to reduce poverty.
And when we look at Ontario, we see many of those same accomplishments.
We are transforming the youth justice system in Ontario and now we have a dedicated system designed to support youth in conflict with the law.
We are moving ahead with full-day learning for four-and five-year olds, in recognition of the importance of the early years in the strong and healthy development of children.
We have a Poverty Reduction Strategy, enshrined in legislation, which focuses first on giving children, youth and their families the support they need to achieve their full potential. We have set an ambitious target to reduce the number of children living in poverty by 25 per cent in 5 years. Through programs like the Ontario Child Benefit we will lift 90,000 kids and their families out of poverty.
Mr. Speaker, today I urge all members of this assembly to reflect on how we can better protect the rights of children, provide them with opportunities, and help them succeed in life.
Because, while we have accomplished so much, we still have so much more to do.
On this historic day, it is so important that we restate and recommit to our obligation to ensure that children are treated as equals, that their voices are listened to and respected, and that we continue to support and protect them in every way possible.
I want to close with the wise words of Dr. Seuss from the 1990 story, “Oh, the places you’ll go” to help us celebrate and recognize National Child Day:
“Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
Or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!”
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
