Children and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Children in Canada will benefit if Canada takes seriously the outcome of its sixth review under the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.  Recommendations for children repeat themes that the CCRC raised during the review of children’s rights.  Canada was asked to take action on a wide range of issues, including: the need …

Over 40 Child Initiatives in Cabinet Mandates

Children’s Rights, Cabinet Mandates, and CCRC plans The CCRC reviewed the mandate letters of new federal cabinet ministers and identified more than 40 initiatives that would contribute to the fulfillment of children’s rights.  These include very specific measures and systemic changes across a wide range of departments.  Many are positive responses to the 10 Steps …

Children and New Law on Physician Assisted Dying

Child Rights and Physician Assistance in Death The CCRC made a submission to the parliamentary committee that studied physician assisted death before introduction of a new law. Its recommendation that criteria be based on principles in the CRC rather than an arbitrary age criterion is reflected in the committee report.  The committee recommended a two-stage …

A Victory for First Nations Children

CHRT rules in favour of First Nations Children’s Caring Society in discrimination complaint Posted on behalf of Christian Whalen, Board Member  On Tuesday February 26 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal released its long awaited decision in relation to the race and ancestry discrimination complaint against Canada filed in 2007 by the First Nations Child and …

Liberals to Repeal Section 43

The Globe and Mail reported today that the Liberals plan to honour all recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission including the recommendation to repeal s.43 of the Criminal Code.  This section provides a defence to parents and teachers who use force against children for the purpose of correction. It is referred to as the corporal …