CCRC

Throne Speech and Budget for Children

Kathy Vandergrift — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:48:51 +0000

The CCRC has five sugggestions for this week’s Throne Speech and Budget. To prepare for an aging population, the CCRC proposes specific investments to develop the full potential of all Canada’s children. See commentary: canadas_children__in_the_throne_speech_and_budget

Omar Khadr: Best Interests of the Child Key to Court Decision

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:50:16 +0000

A small phrase in the Supreme Court Decision on Omar Khadr is key for an appropriate reponse by the government. It is the principle of the Best Interests of the Child. Read CCRC commentary: omar-khadr-decision-commentary

Aboriginal Child Welfare Appeal Delayed Again

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:59:24 +0000

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has delayed again the hearing on the claim of discrimination in funding for aboriginal child welfare. And the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs has applied again to dismiss the case. The CCRC sent a letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to take leadership of this matter, withdraw the motion to dismiss, and move to resolve the claim as soon as possible. This would be a good example of giving priority to the best interests of the aboriginal children in need of help.

If you would like to write the PM or your MP, you are welcome to use the CCRC letter as example. letter-on-aboriginal-child-wlfare-hearing

Niagara Region Report a Good Example

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:52:41 +0000

The Niagara Region adopted a Children’s Charter of Rights, modelled on the UN Convention on the Rights of Children. It has 10 guiding principles. Now they issued a report on the state of children 0-6, based on their Charter.

It is an excellent example of useful reporting. It is also an example of leadership on children’s rights at the regional level. Link to Executive Summary: niagara-early-childhood-rights-

Third Report on Children’s Rights Released

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:34:45 +0000

The government’s third report on implementation of the Convention was submitted on November 20, 2009. The CCRC will review and respond to it; we invite you to let us know your thoughts when you have read it: canadas-third-and-fourth-report-on-crc

Omar Khadr Hearing at Supreme Court

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:14:17 +0000

The rights of children involved in armed conflict and the duty of the Canadian government to protect those rights is the focus of the CCRC intervention in the Omar Khadr hearing. For copy of news release, click on: media-release-for-khadr-hearing-on-november-13.

Omar Khadr and Children’s Rights

Kathy Vandergrift — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:32:30 +0000

The CCRC will be one of the interveners when the Supreme Court considers the Omar Khadr case on November 13. The relevance of children’s rights for this case is the focus of our submission. Articles 38 and 39 of the Convention and the Optional Protocol on Children and Armed Conflict, ratified by Canada, apply in this case. They commit Canada to repatriate Khadr, who was taken from Canada at age 11, and focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

To read the written CCRC submission, go to:
omar-khadr-intervention-by-ccrc-jcyf

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation

Kathy Vandergrift — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:57:38 +0000

The Senate Human Rights Committee is studying Sexual Exploitation of Children in Canada. The CCRC emphasized three themes in its presentation:
1. strengthen focus on prevention in national strategy
2. enforce existing laws by supporting young people through the process to increase rate of conviction of predators
3. national leadership in respect for children’s rights is essential.
To read the full submission or submissions by others, check out the offical record of the hearings on the Senate committee website.

Children’s Rights Case at CHRC

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:42:19 +0000

A tribunal of the Canadian Human Rights Commission will be considering an appeal regarding discrimination in the provision of child welfare services, starting on September 14. The appeal was filed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations, based on evidence that the funding for child welfare services for aboriginal children has been substantially less than the level of funding for similar services for non-aboriginal children. You can read more and follow the case at www.fnwitness.ca.

Child and Youth Mental Health Strategy

Kathy Vandergrift — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:18:25 +0000

Approximately 1 in 5 young people experience some form of mental disorder. Early detection, treatment, and prevention require a special focus on mental health for children. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is developing a framework for children and youth, called Evergreen, as part of a larger Mental Health Strategy for Canada. They are looking for input from young people and/or people who work with young people. Learn more by going to www.teenmentalhealth.org or www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.