The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services:

Celebrating National Child Day 2012

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Child Day, a celebration that highlights the rights and freedoms of all Canadian children and takes place annually on November 20.

National Child Day commemorates two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

Earlier today, I had the pleasure of marking the occasion by reading a story to a group of children with Family and Child Care Connections in Conception Bay South. During the event, these children were partaking in play-based learning activities, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see them in their element.

Our government believes that children and youth are our most valuable resource in Newfoundland and Labrador, and continues to make great strides in ensuring their safety and well-being.

Since National Child Day 2011, our government achieved major milestones and introduced a number of enhancements that improve the lives of children and youth in our province. We successfully transitioned all child, youth and family services staff and programs from the Regional Health Authorities into the line Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, which is dedicated solely to children, youth and their families.

In Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, we introduced the 10-Year Child Care Strategy, which will improve accessibility, affordability and the quality of child care for families with young children. Our government will double its annual budget for child care by 2021-22 to approximately $56 million.

Our government’s dedication to helping children thrive and grow is unwavering and we look forward to our continued work in serving the best interests of children and youth throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

I ask all members of this Honourable House to join me in marking National Child Day.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Photo: To celebrate National Child Day (Tuesday, November 20), the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, read stories to some children attending a play group hosted by Family and Child Care Connections in Conception Bay South.

2012 11 20                             1:50 p.m.