Ministerial Message - National Child Day - November 20, 2016

On November 20, we ask all Canadians to join us in celebrating National Child Day, a day to celebrate children as active participants in their communities, who can and should contribute meaningfully to decision-making.

Canada is committed to the fundamental principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This means that we work to create environments where all children and youth are treated with dignity and respect, protected from harm, given equal and full opportunities for survival and development, and have a voice in matters that affect them.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Canada's ratification of the UNCRC.

The Government of Canada takes its human rights commitments seriously. We continue to work in partnership with provinces and territories, Indigenous community groups, non-governmental and community stakeholders as well as international organizations to advance laws, policies and programs that promote and protect children's rights, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health and child well-being, so they can have a real and fair chance to succeed.

Supporting families, including the middle class and those working hard to join it, and ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life is a priority. We are committed to supporting children and their families, because children represent the future of our country.

Today, we would like to take the opportunity to give thanks to the many dedicated people across Canada who work to help our children and youth lead happy, successful, safe and healthy lives.

Ensuring that Canada's children reach their full potential is a collective effort. Let's mark National Child Day by speaking to children of all ages about their rights. Visit the National Child Day website for helpful tips and resources.

Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould
Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development