Family Law Reform and Children’s Rights

Children are affected when their parents go through a divorce, but their rights are not well-protected in Canada’s current family laws.  The CCRC welcomes plans to modernize the law and expand the unified family court system.  Stronger protection for the rights of children should be central to this process.  It is also an opportunity for …

Omar Khadr: A Lesson in Children’s Rights

The case of Omar Khadr shows the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of every child.  Early recognition of Khadr’s rights as a child could have prevented harm to him and the need for redress and financial compensation now.  In a public statement the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of the Child (CCRC) explains …

Children’s Rights and Child Welfare in Ontario

Bill 89 in Ontario, if adopted, will give the rights of children priority in child welfare and children’s services in the province. It will provide a good example of taking children’s rights seriously in legislation that affects them. It refers to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the preamble, extends services to …

Children’s Rights and Bill S-206

The Senate will begin debate on Bill S-206 this week.  The bill, sponsored by Senator Murray Sinclair, will repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code.  It will protect the right of every child, as well as every adult, to not be hit by anyone.  It is an important step in implementation of children’s right to …

Katelynn’s Principle: The child must be at the centre

On Friday, April 29, the jury in the Inquest into the Death of Katelynn Sampson, delivered a number of significant recommendations which are founded on the rights of children, particularly the right to be heard but also their full rights  under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Katelynn was only 7 years …

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 …