SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES NATIONAL CHILD DAY

In recognition of children's rights and the incredible potential of our home-grown youth, the Government of Saskatchewan is joining today with the rest of Canada to celebrate National Child Day.

"Our children and youth are the future of this great province," Social Services Minister and Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Children and Youth June Draude said. "It is imperative that we provide our most vulnerable, yet valuable citizens with the supports they need to reach their full potential and live healthy, productive lives."

National Child Day is celebrated on November 20 of each year. This date marks the occasion when Canada adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, outlining the basic human rights for children and youth.

In the very same spirit of this important UN Convention, the Government of Saskatchewan is working hard to make life better for Saskatchewan children. Through the Cabinet Committee on Children and Youth and the Saskatchewan Children and Youth Agenda, the government is making sure that children get a good start in life, youth are prepared for their future, families are strong and communities are supportive.

Saskatchewan's child welfare system is also undergoing a transformation and early indicators are pointing to progress. One of the next steps to help ensure that Saskatchewan maintain this momentum is the development of an early-years strategy that puts a priority on family supports.

The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on November 20, 1989. As of September 2010, the Convention had been ratified by 193 countries, making it the most widely ratified human rights treaty.

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For more information, contact:

Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca

Dianne Shannon
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1613
Email: dianne.shannon@gov.sk.ca