Public Dialogue on the National Children's Agenda- Developing a Shared Vision
a shared vision for Canada's children
next steps-how can we respond?
What Canadians can do
Parents, families, communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, professional networks, associations and thousands of volunteers make key contributions to the well-being of Canada's children and youth.
Canada's governments value this work and the partnerships that will help to engage everyone-including children and youth themselves-to improve the well-being of Canada's children, for today and for the future. The National Children's Agenda has the potential to focus and coordinate the leadership and initiative demonstrated by dedicated citizens across the country.
"If the government is responsible for monitoring our children, it must be done right, with respect for the parents."
... an adult participant
What we can do as governments
Governments across Canada have introduced a broad range of benefits and services to help Canadian children have the best possible opportunity to develop to their full potential. Provincial and territorial governments deliver many of these services, including education, health care and child welfare.
In addition, federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together to improve the economic security of families through the National Child Benefit. The National Child Benefit aims to help prevent and reduce the depth of child poverty, help parents to find and keep jobs by providing benefits and services that better support low-income families and their children and reduce overlap and duplication between governments.
The National Children's Agenda shared vision is influencing other intergovernmental initiatives. For example, governments are exploring opportunities for further collaboration on early childhood development. In addition, governments are considering ways to foster strong adolescent development. Governments are also looking at better ways to monitor the progress of Canada's children and to share effective approaches to improving child well-being.
The shared vision of the National Children's Agenda will guide our governments in our ongoing efforts to support children and families.