The Provincial Government is recognizing National Child Day tomorrow (Saturday, November 20) in recognition of the United Nations commitment to upholding the rights of children. This year’s theme is “Children have the right to practice their own culture, language, and religion.”
National Child Day was proclaimed by the Government of Canada in 1993 to commemorate two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959, and the UN adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989.
The Provincial Government is committed to providing affordable, quality child care and a high calibre education for children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador to help empower them to reach their full potential.
In support of those goals, in July 2021 the province joined the Government of Canada in announcing an agreement to implement an ambitious Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan. This agreement will see Newfoundland and Labrador receive more than $347 million between 2021-22 and 2025-26 to increase access to child care, improve affordability and improve the quality and inclusivity of early learning and child care programming.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the rights of children with 54 articles that provide a road map of what is needed to raise healthy and happy children and youth.
Quotes
“National Child Day is a time to recognize the sacrifices children and youth have had to make during the pandemic to ensure their own wellbeing and the health and safety of those around them. I ask children, parents, early childhood educators, teachers and members to recognize and celebrate this special day. Working together, we can ensure we are acting in the best interests of all children and youth.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education
“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and youth, and to creating an environment where they can develop to their full potential. On National Child Day, let us take the time to celebrate the rights and freedoms of all children. We will continue to work across government and with community partners to include the voices of young people and to serve the best interests of children and youth throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“AECENL would like to thank the provincial government for recognizing this important day. On November 20, we are asking all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to wear blue and take a moment to reflect on the rights of the child and the importance of early learning in shaping our future.”
Skye Crawford Taylor
Executive Director, AECENL
– 30 –
Learn more
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca
Skye Crawford Taylor
AECENL
709-579-3028, 1-877-579-3028
executivedirector@aecenl.ca