November 20, 2013
Each year on November 20th, we celebrate National Child Day, acknowledging Canada's commitment to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. By recognizing the fundamental human rights of children and youth under the age of 18, Canada works to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect, are protected from harm, and are provided with their basic needs.
The health and well-being of children and youth is a priority for the Government of Canada. We invest in a wide range of programs to help our children develop to their full potential, including community-based programs like the Community Action Program for Children, the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, and Aboriginal Head Start. These programs help vulnerable children get the best possible start in life.
Our government also collaborates with many partners through our Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Initiative, promoting awareness about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Our aim is to improve the outcomes for those who are already affected, including their families and the communities where they live.
We recognize that timely and accurate information is needed to inform and influence health promotion policy initiatives here in Canada and around the world. That is why our government supports the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study, which increases our collective knowledge and understanding of key health issues affecting youth.
All of us - governments, stakeholders, parents, caregivers, and educators, as well as children and youth - have a vital role to play in ensuring that Canada's children and youth are treated with dignity and respect, are protected from harm, and are given equal and full opportunities for survival and development.
As Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to find ways to ensure our children and youth are informed of and afforded every opportunity to exercise their rights as laid out in the Convention.
Our government provides on-line educational resources to raise awareness of children's rights. Help the children in your life get started by downloading our National Child Day information kit, activity guide and colouring poster. You can also encourage youth to visit our Youth Corner for more information and then challenge them to take our on-line quiz. Every young Canadian deserves the right to grow up healthy so they reach their full potential.
To learn more, please visit National Child Day.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
