In recognition of National Child Day 2014

I rise on behalf of the Liberal Party to also pay tribute to National Child Day, which takes place on November 20 of each year.

National Child Day is a day to recognize and to celebrate the rights of children in Canada. The day marks the anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child, signed on November 20, 1959. As the Minister of Health and Social Services pointed out, this year also marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989. Canada ratified that agreement in 1991, further recognizing our country’s commitment to human rights.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an important milestone in human rights. The convention recognizes that children have political, civil, economic, health and cultural rights. Currently there are 194 countries that have ratified the agreement and it is bound by international law. In conclusion, the Government of Canada does have a number of resources available athttp://www.childday.gc.ca/ for parents to use in order to help teach their children that they do have rights under the law, just like adults.