OTTAWA, June 21, 2000 – The Federal-Provincial Territorial Council of Ministers on Social Policy Renewal today released a report entitled Public Dialogue on the National Children’s Agenda – Developing a Shared Vision.  The report highlights the results of a public dialogue on this topic that took place last year and presents a shared vision for our children that can serve as a catalyst for action by all Canadians. 

Through this public dialogue, launched in May 1999, Canadians were asked for their views on a vision for our children and the goals they hope governments can achieve through the National Children’s Agenda.  The report released today reflects the input of citizens, non-governmental organizations, and children and youth themselves.  In addition, representatives from the following national Aboriginal organizations, and their respective leaders, made a significant contribution by focussing attention on the unique needs of their communities: Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, Native Women’s Association of Canada, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and Inuit Tapirisat of Canada.

At the heart of the shared vision are four goals that define what Canadians want for their children. We want them to be: 

• Physically and emotionally healthy;
• Safe and secure;
• Successful at learning; and
• Socially engaged and responsible.

Participants expressed strong support for the National Children’s Agenda, and emphasized that an agenda for children requires concrete and long-term commitments on the part of governments.  Participants said that parents and families have the primary responsibility for children, and that families of all types need more support, including extended families, caregivers, non-traditional families and single parents.  This will help provide the basic needs, nurturing and care that children require at all stages of their lives.

Participants also agreed on the importance of tracking how Canadian children are doing, and sharing research, experience and information.

While governments across the country have introduced a broad range of benefits and services to help children, such as the National Child Benefit, the shared vision of the National Children’s Agenda will guide governments in their ongoing efforts to support children and families.

Governments are presently exploring opportunities for further collaboration on early childhood development, and considering new ways to foster strong adolescent development.  Finally, governments are making ongoing efforts to monitor the progress of Canada’s children and to share effective approaches to improving child well-being.
 
 

For information:
 
 

Marta Morgan Director, Children’s Policy Group Human Resources Development Canada (819) 997-6834

Jeffrey Pender Media Relations Office, Health Canada  (613) 957-2988

*The Government of Québec agrees with the objectives of the National Children’s Agenda, but has decided not to participate in its development.