News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman in recognition of National Child Day, Nov. 20:

Each year, we take the time to celebrate Canada’s children on National Child Day.

This year marks the 57th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child and the 27th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We have made a commitment to ensure that each child is treated with dignity and respect. In New Brunswick, we cherish our children and are continually working to make their lives better. As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure all children have the chance to reach their full potential.

The Convention of the Rights of the Child includes the rights to rest, leisure, play, recreation, arts and culture. Young children need to live in loving families with parents who engage them – parents who talk with them, play with them and comfort them. These types of proactive early experiences will help children to succeed.

Our children need to have a sense of belonging in our society and the confidence that they have an important role to play. They should be active participants in both their own lives and in their communities. They should be able to contribute meaningfully to decision-making that will have an effect on their lives.

Our children and young people are tomorrow’s builders and parents.

Today and every day, we should celebrate our children and recommit to providing them with the care, safety and security they need to support their development and ensure their well-being.