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’s Rights In Canada: List of Issues

The list of issues,  the next stage in the review of children’s rights,  is another opportunity to make much needed changes in Canada.  It includes many of the pressing issues for children in Canada. All governments need to answer the questions to provide additional information and analysis about the conditions for children in Canada.  That will …

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 …

Preventing Homelessness and Children’s Rights

Canada can do more to prevent youth homelessness, according to research with youth on the street.  Waiting until young people are in crisis is costly in human impact and finances.  Addressing the issues that contribute to youth homelessness coincides with implementing the rights of children.  This is another area where paying attention to children’s rights …

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 …