National Child Day 2020: Get Serious about Children’s Rights

National Child Day 2020 comes in the middle of the 5th/6th review of children’s rights in Canada.  The review shows the need to get serious about implementing children’s rights in Canada.  It is an opportunity to make our governing systems work better for children.  It is time to move beyond nice statements about children and …

Children Lead Recovery: Throne Speech 2020

There will be no recovery from Covid-19 without a recovery for children.  The CCRC proposes a Five-Step Plan for inclusion in the Throne Speech, to be presented on September 23, 2020. While protecting children dominated the emergency phase of Covid-19, realizing children’s rights to develop and contribute to society will contribute to recovery for parents …

Close Gaps through Systemic Change: Implement Children’s Rights in Canada

Close Gaps through Systemic Change: CCRC Alternative Report for the 5th/6th Review of Children’s Rights in Canada The rights of children are not protected well in Canada.  The costs of failing to do so are high.  Systemic change is necessary and would bring benefits for children, families, and governments.  That is the core message in …

Speak Up for Children in 2019 Election

Children are not allowed to vote but they will be affected by the results of the upcoming federal election.  Everyone can speak up to ensure that children’s policies are part of the public discussion this fall.  It is timely because 2019 is the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children …

Healthy Conditions for Growing Up in Canada

The right to health in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 24, is helpful in Canada because it highlights the importance of the social determinants of health for children.  Canada’s report for the 5th/6th review of children’s rights recognizes vulnerable groups of children but pays too little attention to the conditions in …

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 …

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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 …