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TORONTO - On November 19, children and young people from
across Ontario raised their voices about children's rights
and issues of importance to them during a press conference and
reception at the Legislature of Ontario.
Representatives from Ontario's three political parties, the
Speaker of the House, Defence for Children International, the
Provincial Child and Youth Advocate's Office and UNICEF Canada
have been involved in a unique mentoring experience with
children and young people from across the province. In
preparation for this historic day at the Legislature, mentors
provided encouragement and support to children and young people
and will assist throughout the day as the assembled children and
young people share their views on children's rights.
The day began at 9 a.m. with a press conference involving
children and young people, Defence for Children International,
UNICEF Canada and the Provincial Child and Youth Advocate. The
focus of the day was children's rights and related advocacy
issues affecting children and young people in the province. At
11:30 a.m., children and young people shared the podium with
elected officials and the organizers of the day during a
reception. Following this at 1 p.m., statements were read in
the House by each of Ontario's three main political parties.
These two historic events at the Legislature of Ontario are in
recognition of National Child Day and the twentieth anniversary
of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Comments:
Liberals
"The 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child provides us with an opportunity to celebrate
the progress we have made through investing in our kids and
protecting their rights. It also gives us a chance to reflect on
the work left to do and the important role that youth have in
helping to shape and inform that work moving forward," said
Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services."
NDP
"The young people we are welcoming to Queen's Park represent the
voices of young people from across our province," said MPP
Andrea Horwath, Ontario's NDP Leader. "It is our duty not only
to hear what young people have to say, but to listen to them,
respect their input and act on their concerns."
Conservatives
"I am happy to be a part of this important anniversary for
children across the world and right here in Ontario," said
Sylvia Jones, Progressive Conservative Critic for Children and
Youth. "Any movement to support the rights of children is
welcomed and appreciated."
DCI
"Do we live in a world fit for children? Far from it," says Les
Horne Executive Director of Defence for Children
International-Canada "But the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child gives us hope and a vision of what life could be like for
our children."
UNICEF
"The adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 20
years ago ushered in a new consensus on childhood," said Cathie
Guthrie, Vice President of Programmes and Advocacy, UNICEF
Canada. "Its anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate progress
for children, but also a time to confront the attitudes and
practices that continue to undermine good childhoods, and an
occasion to challenge societies to address their unfinished
business in implementing the Convention."
Advocate's Office
"Too many children fight so hard for rights that come so easily
for others," says Provincial Advocate, Irwin Elman. "The
Convention should remind us here in Ontario of a possibility not
yet attained for many of the young people my office is mandated
to serve."
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