In the Legislature today, Social Services and Seniors Minister Chester Gillan recognized National Child Day as a day to recognize that children need to be loved, nutured and heard in order to learn and grow. “It’s a time to celebrate our children and their families and to think of ways we can improve their well-being through actions in our homes, communities, work places, and governments.”

Since 2000, governments, communities, family-centered organizations and individuals have been working together to put measures in place that support the goals of the Healthy Child Development Strategy. The vision of the PEI Healthy Child Development Strategy is that all Island children will be safe and secure, enjoy good health, be successful at learning and benefit from social belonging and responsibility.

The Minister cited several key outcomes of the Healthy Child Development Strategy to date and suggested other collaborative actions that will be detailed in the House later in the fall session.

Minister Gillan asked all Islanders to join in celebrating our Prince Edward Island children by taking part in one of the many community activities or by simply taking the time to play or read with a child.

For more information about the Healthy Child Development Strategy and links to National Child Day and positive parenting information, visit www.gov.pe.ca/hcd

BACKGROUNDER

The Rights of the Child Convention on the Rights of the Child www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/ncd-jna/index_e.html#what_b

National Child Day Activities in Prince Edward Island

• Children’s Walking Parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Charlottetown Fire Hall on Kent Street down University Avenue to the Confederation Centre of the Arts with an escort provided by the City of Charlottetown Police, Fire Department and Magic 93/CFCY;

• Children’s Walking Parade beginning at 10:00 a.m. from Trinity United Church on Spring Street with an escort provided by the City of Summerside Police and Fire Department as well as a musical escort provided by Spud FM;

• A blue ribbon campaign for child care providers, parents, children and MLAs by the Early Childhood Development Association ;

• Parent / child activities at many early childhood centres and kindergartens;

• Author readings, games and crafts throughout the week at provincial library branches;

• Radio contest and prizes on Island Morning, CBC Radio One 96.9 FM on Friday, November 17 and Monday, November 20;

• Family Fun Day, November 25, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Waterfront Mall, Summerside.

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Child Day:

1 - Reflect on the rights of children.

2 - Attend a special event with a child.

3 - Play a board game or clapping game with a child.

4 - Plan a special visit to your child’s class or child care setting.

5 - Send a card to a child in honour of the day.

6 - Cook a special dinner and invite family and friends.

7 - Think back on the great moments of your childhood.

8 - Explore ways to make your community a safer place for children.

9 - Make a donation to the food bank or other charity for children in need.

10 - Consider ways that you can make Prince Edward Island a better place for children.