Pieces Need a Coherent Plan for Children: Budget 2019

Children will benefit from some of the new initiatives included in the 2019 Federal Budget.  But the lack of a coherent policy framework means that children will also continue to fall through the cracks of a patchwork of programs.  Each one addresses a part of what children need to develop their full potential; there is …

coverpage image

Government Report on Children’s Rights in Canada Needs More Analysis

Canada’s 5th-6th report on implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Canada is now filed with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.  Copies of the report and annexes are available here for your reference.   The report shows some progress since the last review.  Missing is information on outcomes …

The Right to Know Rights, Curriculum Reform, and Parental Rights in Education

Children’s right to learn about their rights was identified as a top priority during the recent Raise the Bar for Children’s Rights conference, hosted by the CCRC.  The benefits of teaching children and parents about children’s rights are evident in research and practice.  Fulfilling the Convention in Canada requires scaling up existing good practices so …

Raise the Bar for Children’s Rights: Next Steps

More than one hundred people gathered for two days of learning about children’s rights in Canada.  “It was good to come together,” said one participant, “to connect our own work with others and think about all rights for all children in Canada.”   The conference brought together people from a wide range of ages, positions, and …

Children and youth have a right to an advocate

November 15, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Children and youth have a right to an advocate – they also desperately need one  Ottawa, ON – As organizations deeply committed to the well-being of children and children’s rights, we express our concern with the decision of the Ontario government to eliminate the position of the Provincial Child Advocate. …

Children at the Center of New Family Law

Bill C-78 proposes significant changes in the laws that affect children caught up in the separation and/or divorce of their parents and related family court processes.  Legislative changes that will make the best interests of the children the paramount consideration for all actors is positive.  It makes Canada’s laws more consistent with the Convention on …

Children’s Rights in Canada’s Response to the UPR

Canada received 245 recommendations from other countries to improve how it implements human rights, including children’s rights.  The response is a missed opportunity to make and show progress in Canada.  It shows that not much has changed in practice, in spite of ministerial level statements about improving implementation in Canada. The forthcoming review of children’s …