The Provincial Government is observing National Child Day this Sunday, November 20, in recognition of the United Nations commitment to upholding the rights of children. This year’s theme is the right to participate.
Each year National Child Day is held on this date because the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted on November 20, 1989. By signing onto the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect, and have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Provincial Government is committed to providing affordable child care and a high quality education for children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador to help empower them to reach their full potential.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a national leader in progressively lowering the costs of child care. Through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the province will move to a $10 a day cost for regulated child care on January 1, 2023. The department remains focused on space creation through the Pre-Kindergarten pilot program and other initiatives.
Quotes
“We must all remain committed to ensuring children live free from fear and harm, where it is safe for them to be seen and heard. I ask everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador to take time on National Child day to honour and celebrate our children, and the bright futures they have ahead of them.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education
“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring the overall well-being and safety of children and youth throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As November 20 marks National Child Day, we must all join together to champion children and their right to a safe, healthy, engaging and active childhood.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The early years are critical, they set the stage for healthy development and lifelong learning. Recognizing National Child Day highlights children’s rights and the importance of having access to quality early learning and child care programs. On November 20, we are asking everyone to wear blue and reflect on the rights of the child and the importance of early learning in shaping our future”
Skye Crawford Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators NL
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Learn more
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Association of Early Childhood Educators NL
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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca
Skye Crawford Taylor
AECENL
709-579-3028, 1-877-579-3028
executivedirector@aecenl.ca