The Dialogue Process

Public Dialogue on the National Children's Agenda- Developing a Shared Vision

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III. The Dialogue Process

During the spring and summer of 1999, Canadians participated in the public dialogue through many activities, including roundtable discussions, focus groups and individual feedback. The dialogue was coordinated at national, provincial and territorial levels, and was documented by transcripts, reports and other correspondence gathered at a national centre established for this purpose.

“We believe our heritage, culture and religion are what make us human beings. It is very difficult in the city to learn these things because many of the knowledgeable people who know about it and can help us don’t live here. We must have help and resources so that we can reach out and build connections between us and them.”

... an adult participant

Shared Activities by Governments

Five roundtable discussions were held in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and St. John's. Delegates from across the country were invited to represent the interests of non-governmental organizations involved with children through education, recreation, special needs and disabilities, research and advocacy.
Members of the general public participated in focus groups held in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and St. John's.
Five aboriginal organizations held discussions within their constituencies. These organizations included the Assembly of First Nations, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the Métis National Council and the Native Women's Association of Canada.
A 1-800 number and web site were established to distribute the dialogue documents and receive feedback.
A workbook was available by mail, fax or on-line to assist individual Canadians in commenting on the dialogue documents.
A national workshop of professionals, academics and representatives from the five aboriginal organizations was held in September 1999 to discuss the supplementary document, A National Children's Agenda—Measuring Child Well-being and Monitoring Progress.

Additional Activities

Each jurisdiction also held discussions, workshops and activities suited to their environments. Some organized presentations and information tables at conferences and regional events related to children. Others organized consultations and presentations among aboriginal organizations, teachers, family resource centres and other associations and networks concerned with children.

Activities for Children and Youth

Early in the public dialogue process, Canadians emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for children and youth to comment on the National Children's Agenda. During the spring and summer of 1999, provinces and territories distributed the dialogue documents to and engaged in discussion with youth groups, delegations and participants in children’s activities, including:
Symposium on the Rights of the Child (British Columbia);
First Circle: Uniting for Children Forum (Alberta);
The Youth Delegation (Saskatchewan);
Camp Stephens (Manitoba);
Regional youth workshops (Ontario, Nova Scotia); and
Community Youth Network (Newfoundland).

Activities Beyond Governments

Many non-governmental organizations, including child and youth services agencies, advocacy organizations, professional associations and francophone organizations held meetings within their constituencies to discuss the National Children’s Agenda and the perspectives of children and youth.