Anu Modi-Canada: Today, on National Child Day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's commitment to ensuring every child receives the support they need for the best possible start in life. He emphasized that children are the dreamers, leaders, and visionaries of tomorrow, and the country has a responsibility to provide them with a healthy, fair future where they can thrive.
The Prime Minister highlighted several key initiatives aimed at supporting children and families, including the Canada Child Benefit, which has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and the introduction of the $10-a-day child care program. The government’s efforts also extend to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the new National School Food Program, and a recent launch of the Youth Mental Health Fund to improve mental health services for youth and their families.
Trudeau also spoke about broader investments in housing, measures to protect children from online harms, and efforts to address gender-based violence and the ongoing overdose crisis. He underlined the importance of ensuring every child has a safe, stable home and access to essential services. Additionally, the government is working with Indigenous communities to implement key initiatives, such as the historic agreement to support Inuit-led child and family services and reforms to child and family services under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
As the world marks the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that investing in children is investing in Canada’s future. By empowering all children, the country is ensuring a more inclusive, prosperous tomorrow.