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Child & Youth Sector News
Are we doing enough? A status report on Canadian public policy and child and youth health
Report from the Canadian Pediatric Society identifies the status of public policies affecting children and youth; calls on "the federal government to implement a national child care strategy, with an integrated system of services that are universal and publicly funded." (read more)
Starting strong III: A quality toolbox for early childhood education and care
Major new publication from OECD focuses on quality issues; aims to define quality and outlines five policy levers that can enhance it in ECEC.
A historical snapshot of inequality in Canada
Know Thy History looks back at the inequalities between various groups that have been constant themes in Canada; a universal system of high quality ECEC has a key role to play in addressing these inequities.
Deadline Extended for CWLC Achievement Awards
CWLC has decided to extend the deadline for its 2011 Achievement Awardsuntil Monday, January 30, 2012. All CWLC member organizations are invited to nominate the person/group of their choice for the following awards: RBC Youth Achievement Award, Advocacy Award, Research & Program Excellence Award, Children's Services Award, and Foster Parent Award. The Awards Reception will take place on March 22, 2012.
The Children's Foundation Announced the Appointment of Incoming Executive Director
It is with pleasure that Elizabeth Demner, President of The Children's Foundation in Vancouver, BC announces the appointment of Dennis Dandeneau as the organization's new Executive Director effective March 19, 2012. Mr. Dandeneau will assume the role to be vacated by Mr. Jim McLaughlin who is retiring after a long and distinguished career. Mr. Dandeneau comes from The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society located in Kelowna, BC, where he held the position of Executive Director for over two decades. He also currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Child Welfare League of Canada, the United Community Services Co-op and the Council on Accreditation for Children and Families.
Mental Health Commission of Canada's (MHCC) 5th Anniversary Awards
MHCC has created the 5th Anniversary National Mental Health Awards to recognize programs, projects and initiatives across the country that are having a profound influence on our mental health system and to share these good ideas with other organizations. They are now accepting applications until February 16, 2012 and are seeking your support by asking you to share the following information with your contacts and stakeholders.
CEECD's Review of the Ten Best Canadian ECD Research in 2010
This year marks the 10th anniversary of our annual Bulletin highlighting the top 10 early childhood development (ECD) studies and critical reviews in Canada. This special edition gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at the scientific impact of the research studies selected over the last decade and to analyze the trends in ECD research in Canada. This latest issue of the Bulletin also features such diverse subjects as language, memory, social skills, physical and mental health and genetics.
CCAAC Annual Report
CCAAC hosted their AGM on January 17. You can read their year end report here.
Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children - Newsletter
Senate, the Omnibus Crime Bill, and Children's Rights
In February the Senate will review Bill C-10 before final passage into law. This omnibus crime bill includes proposed amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The CCRC is asking senators to give a sober second thought to the ways that Bill C-10 is inconsistent with the Canadian government's obligation to protect the rights of children. In their own 2007 report, the Senate adopted the results of a three-year study on children's rights. By passing Bill C-10, the Senate will contradict recommendations that they made just a few years ago. (CCRC submission)
The level of public concern about the proposed changes to Canada's justice system, including the youth justice system, is growing. Consider adding your voice by writing to Senators and the Prime Minister to tell them how you feel about the proposed changes.
CCRC Alternative Report: "Right in Principle, Right in Practice"
Before UN Committee:
The CCRC Alternative Report was submitted to the UN in November 2011. In February 2012 the CCRC will discuss its assessment of children's rights in Canada with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in a pre-session briefing, and in September 2012 we will participate in the full review of Canada's record on children's rights. This is one way to increase public accountability for how well Canada fulfills its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Promotion Within Canada:
Efforts continue in Canada to build public support for recommendations in CCRC's alternative report. The report is being presented to relevant cabinet ministers and parliamentary committees. We hope CCRC members will also draw the report to the attention of both their MPs and provincial political leaders because many areas of children's rights involve both federal and provincial governments.
Complaint Process Adopted by UN General Assembly
In November the UN General Assembly adopted a third Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It provides a process for children to present a claim that their rights have been violated to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, if all avenues to pursue their rights have been exhausted within a country. The optional protocol will come into effect in Canada if and when Canada ratifies it. The CCRC will pursue discussions on ratification by Canada in 2012.
Polygamy Ruling Reinforces Children's Rights
Preventing harm to children was a strong basis for the BC Supreme Court decision to uphold section 293 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the practice of polygamy in Canada. The CCRC intervened in this case to ensure that the rights of children were considered. These rights moved from being a secondary consideration to that of a primary reason for the ruling.
The attention paid to children's rights in the ruling is good news! The decision sets an important precedent for children's rights because it reinforces that the state has obligations to take positive action to prevent harm to children. It also reinforces that the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms should be read in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, for all situations involving children. The decision is not being appealed.
The CCRC will be advocating with the BC government to take concrete measures to protect the rights of children impacted by polygamy in BC. (CCRC statement on the ruling)
Senate Committee Study on Cyber-bullying
The Senate Human Rights Committee is beginning a study of Cyber-bullying. They will consider how to protect the rights of children affected by cyber-bullying and how best to prevent cyber-bullying. This will be an extended study over 2012. If you have suggestions, you can send a letter or submission to the committee through the clerk: Daniel Charbonneau at [email protected].
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