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The following statement was issued today by John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly: Celebrating Promise and Potential - National Child Day In recognition of National Child Day, held Saturday, November 20, 2004, I rise today to celebrate the future and promise of our province�s children and youth. National Child Day commemorates the 1989 signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child Treaty which spells out the basic human rights that children under the age of 18 everywhere � without discrimination � should enjoy. This year� s international theme is A World Fit for Children. As parents, community members and as a province, we have a responsibility to build a nurturing and secure environment so that our children have an equal opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. Creating an environment that instils values, provides educational opportunities and protects our children is an important priority for this government and our country. Recently, children�s issues have been at the national forefront � from early learning and childcare to literacy and the societal challenges we collectively face with our increasing rates of childhood obesity and health and social issues of aboriginal children. It reinforces our belief that we must equip our children and youth with the tools they need to breakdown barriers, overcome challenges and allow them to reach their full potential. Parents are a child�s first teacher, and they can be the most effective instructors. One of the most important activities parents can do with their children is read with them. We know that early learning and literacy has a significant impact on the future wellness and learning for children. I� m pleased to report to this House that our recent Early Childhood Development Annual Report noted that over 85 per cent of children five and under in Newfoundland and Labrador are read to daily by an adult. That number is substantially higher than the national average of 66 per cent in the same age group. We should be proud. To expand on the important work that parents do, our government has taken significant steps to give our children greater opportunities for development and learning. Community partnerships with organizations like the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, the implementation of a Mother-Baby Nutritional Supplement, additional investments in child protection and the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit, along with education initiatives such as Healthy Children-Healthy Schools are all actions our government has taken this year. On this special day we see hope and we celebrate the possibilities for our children now and in the future. Today, I encourage all members of the House to wear a symbolic blue ribbon and join me as we re-affirm our determination and sincere commitment to do more for our youth so that no child is left behind. 2004 11 22 1:55 p.m. |
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