The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Adoption Awareness Month.

This month provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the care and commitment of adoptive families throughout our province. Families who choose adoption are making a life-changing decision that will create a meaningful difference in the lives of all those involved.

It’s true what they say, “Adopting one child won’t change the world: but for that child, the world will change.”

During this month, there is also a need to remind Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that there are children, teens and sibling groups in our province who are ready to share their love, hopes and dreams with a permanent family.

As a government we are committed to strengthening the adoption process with an additional investment of $395,000 over two years for dedicated resources to ensure children and youth waiting to be adopted are matched with adoptive families that will help to nurture their growth and development.

I invite my colleagues in this Honourable House to join me in celebrating the gift of adoption, acknowledging the many families created through adoption and thanking the individuals who have opened their hearts and provided a forever home to children of all ages.

Thank you.