The Government of Canada today announced the release of A Canada Fit for Children , its official response to the commitments made on May 10, 2002, at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children. A Canada Fit for Children re-affirms the importance that all sectors of Canadian society-governments, organizations and individuals-place on children. In particular, A Canada Fit for Children re-affirms the Government's commitment to making children and families a national priority and to continue to work with governments, stakeholders and the public. The Government's investment in major initiatives for children and families currently exceeds $13 billion per year.
Senator Landon Pearson, who was instrumental in developing the document, submitted it to the United Nations in New York City on April 22, 2004, on behalf of the Government of Canada. “ A Canada Fit for Children is the result of input from thousands of Canadians, including young people, who have a common interest in the rights and well-being of children,” said Senator Pearson.
"Canada's national plan of action is among the first from industrialized countries and it demonstrates the value of involving children and young people, as well as civil society, in
national strategies," said Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF, which is the lead agency for children and secretariat for the follow-up to the United Nations Special Session on Children. "Canada continues to be an effective and long-time voice for children and their rights in the international arena."
“ A Canada Fit for Children re-affirms our vision, goals and on-going efforts to build a Canada where all children have an opportunity to reach their full potential,” said the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Social Development. “As we saw in the 2004 Budget, the Government of Canada is increasing its investments in supports for children and families to address child poverty and increase access to the quality early learning and child care programs that we know can make a real difference. This complements the annual funding we provide to help provinces and territories to improve and expand early childhood development programs and services.”
“Canadians want to ensure that their children are able to grow up healthy, with dignity and in peace,” said the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Health. “Promoting the health and well-being of Canada's children is a key priority for the Government of Canada. The recent federal Budget provided $300 million for a national immunization strategy that would support the provinces and territories in providing recommended vaccines to children.”
The Government of Canada, in partnership with provinces, territories and stakeholders, has made many significant investments over the past decade to ensure that the needs of children and families are supported. Federal/provincial/territorial initiatives include the National Child Benefit, the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Agreement and the Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care.
A Canada Fit for Children is consistent with Canada's National Children's Agenda, which continues to be the framework under which governments, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders work together on behalf of children.