NDP Statement on National Child Day 2023

NDP Critic for Families, Children and Social Development MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) made the following statement:

“Today, we celebrate National Child Day, a day to recognize the rights of children.

On November 20, 1989, Canada committed to making sure every child is treated with respect and dignity and to ensuring their full potential can be met by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Thanks to the work of tireless advocates, we have made many improvements, but there is still a long way to go. New Democrats used our power in parliament and worked alongside child care workers and advocates to finally get legislation enshrining affordable, quality child care for all children, no matter the income of their family.

As more Canadians are turning to food banks to feed their families because of corporate greed driving up the cost of food, New Democrats will keep pushing for a national school food program. Under the Liberals, Canada is the only G7 nation without one. A national school food program will help combat child hunger and poverty in Canada. And New Democrats will continue to fight to crack down on corporate greed.

In addition, in 2021, I introduced a private member's bill to create a national framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income, to give people, and children, a stronger social safety net, and lift them out of poverty.

Reducing child poverty rates in all provinces must be a priority for the federal government, as well as standing up for the human rights of children.

Today, on National Child Day, New Democrats recommit to fighting to make sure every single child in Canada has their basic needs met, never go hungry, and ensure that their human rights are upheld."