High numbers of children living in poverty, poor health and state care suggest Canada is failing to meet its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, says a new report.
The UNICEF Canada report, which will be released Tuesday morning to coincide with National Child Day, recommends Canada create a children's commissioner and make the convention enforceable in court. The children's commissioner would have the power to ensure governments meet their responsibilities to kids.
Canada ratified the international agreement in 1991 — as did all provinces by 1999 — but progress in implementation has been spotty, the report concludes.
"While there has been some progress for some children in some places, for too many children we've stalled or even regressed in some aspects of their health, development and protection," says the report.
"After 18 years, it's time to take our obligations seriously."
Full story
Do we need a federal commissioner for children and youth? Will it make any difference?
More...
The UNICEF Canada report, which will be released Tuesday morning to coincide with National Child Day, recommends Canada create a children's commissioner and make the convention enforceable in court. The children's commissioner would have the power to ensure governments meet their responsibilities to kids.
Canada ratified the international agreement in 1991 — as did all provinces by 1999 — but progress in implementation has been spotty, the report concludes.
"While there has been some progress for some children in some places, for too many children we've stalled or even regressed in some aspects of their health, development and protection," says the report.
"After 18 years, it's time to take our obligations seriously."
Full story
Do we need a federal commissioner for children and youth? Will it make any difference?
More...