Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the Members of this House that last Friday in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the provinces and territories, in conjunction with the federal government, launched the National Children's Agenda.
The National Children's Agenda is an initiative that offers all Canadians the opportunity to determine priorities with respect to children. The agenda will support the critical and primary role that parents, families and communities play in the lives of children.
Federal, provincial and territorial governments worked together to identify key issues in the development of two publications that have just been released. The first is titled, "A National Children's Agenda - Developing a Shared Vision". There is also a supplementary document titled, "Measuring Child Well-Being and Monitoring Progress." Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling these documents in the House later today.
The vision documents are intended to guide a national consultation process to help frame social policies for children. National aboriginal organizations participated in the development of a special chapter that addresses the specific issues affecting aboriginal children, including a perspective on children's issues written in their own voice.
The vision documents identify the following four goals for the National Children's Agenda; to ensure that Canada's children are:
- healthy physically and emotionally;
- safe and secure;
- successful at learning; and;
- socially engaged and responsible.
The launch of a public dialogue on a National Children's Agenda reflects the commitments made by governments in the Social Union Framework Agreement, to ensure that Canadians participate in developing social priorities and that governments share information on successes in their jurisdictions.
- a 1-800 number;
- a national website; and
- a national mailing address.
It is important that Northerners participate and provide input, particularly since 37 percent of the NWT population is under the age of 19 years as compared to the national average of 26.5 percent.
Mr. Speaker, the National Children's Agenda also coincides with work currently being undertaken in the NWT in relation to children and youth. In conjunction with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and my other colleagues in the social envelope, we are working to develop a Territorial Agenda for Children & Youth. The national initiative will complement this work. I encourage all NWT residents, both young and old, to take advantage of the consultation process for the NCA, to help create a shared vision of, and commitment to, a brighter future for our children. Thank you.
--Applause