Media Release

Government of Newfoundland & Labrador

Ministers celebrate National Child Day, November 20, 2003

John Ottenheimer, Minister of Education, and Elizabeth Marshall, Minister of Health and Community Services, encourage all people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to take time to recognize National Child Day. This years international theme is A Community Fit for Children.

November 20 is designated National Child Day around the world and recognizes the ratification of two landmark documents - the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Adopted by 191 states worldwide, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely accepted human rights document in history. It recognizes the special rights of children under the age of 18 and outlines the responsibilities of government, families and caregivers to safeguard children.

"National Child Day encourages us all to remember the rights of children," said Minister Ottenheimer. "These include the right to health and well-being, safety in school and at home, and access to education." The minister noted that the provincial theme for this years National Child Day, as chosen by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador, is Read to Your Child. This theme reminds all parents and caregivers that reading to young children and teaching them how to read is one of the most important gifts a child can receive.

Minister Ottenheimer observed that in Canada, our students are privileged to receive the highest quality education possible and we should celebrate that. On National Child Day, however, we should acknowledge that there are millions of children throughout the world who remain without access to a basic education.

"The early years are vital in that they set the stage for healthy development and lifelong learning," said Elizabeth Marshall, Minister of Health and Community Services. "Recognizing National Child Day underscores the importance of this period in each childs life and also celebrates the important contribution that is made by each person who works with and cares for children in this province." Minister Marshall will distribute blue ribbons to her Cabinet colleagues in recognition of National Child Day.