The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Adoption Awareness Month and November 9 as World Adoption Day.

These observances give us an opportunity to celebrate adoptive families for the incredible role they play in the lives of children and youth.

When families choose to adopt, they are making a decision that will change many lives, as a child gains a loving home and the family gains an enriching experience with a lifetime of joy.

Mr. Speaker, our government appreciates how critically important it is to have permanence in children’s lives for their healthy development.

That is why, in 2018 and 2019, we dedicated additional resources to matching children and youth to adoptive families. I am pleased to say this initiative is producing many positive results.

In June we announced that we are undertaking the five-year statutory review of our adoption legislation. Later this fall, we look forward to hearing from key stakeholders and the public as we gather valuable input on how the legislation affects children, youth and families in this province.

We are committed to continuing to strengthen our legislation and practice in this important area.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in this Honourable House to join me in celebrating the many families who have chosen adoption, and in doing so, have created or expanded their families by providing children of all ages with a permanent home.

Thank you.