SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Inspiring Healthy Futures
June 15, 2021
Honourable senators, before I begin my statement, I want to acknowledge the pain and sorrow that continues to be felt in Kamloops and throughout our country after the discovery of the unmarked graves of 215 First Nations children. I join Canadians in calling for substantive action so that we can all understand the truths of our history so there can be true reconciliation.
As a country, we have failed our children. Today, I rise to speak to an initiative that proposes a vision for our country that places our children front and centre, to recognize the important work of the Inspiring Healthy Futures coalition, who recently published their final report.
While many Canadians are beginning to see light at the end of our pandemic tunnel as we navigate our way out of the current health crisis, we have every indication that the crisis will continue for our children. Canadian children struggled even before the pandemic. UNICEF Canada’s 2020 report demonstrated that, as a country, we were failing to provide too many kids with the basics of life to ensure their health and well-being.
Recognizing this, the Inspiring Healthy Futures coalition sought to address the long-standing issues facing Canadian children and aimed to provide a recovery plan for children, youth and their families that is based on strong and comprehensive research, policy and advocacy that would accelerate progress and coordinate the work on these important issues.
Over a six-month period, they heard the voices of children, youth, parents, educators, caregivers, activists and scientists, amongst others. They spoke to over 1,500 Canadians representing a broad set of voices from across the country, asking communities questions about what children need to thrive, what the urgent needs of families are and how we can work to turn knowledge into action.
In response, they heard many well-known and enduring truths, such as the need for housing and food security and the critical need for accessible child care and enhanced parental leave policies. They heard that parents expect their children will continue to face poor mental health outcomes and would like to see mental health supports closer to home, highlighting the pressing need to transform our health care system to meet today’s demands. Their recommendations include the establishment of a federal accountability officer and the use of child impact assessments because we need to understand how policies impact kids.
I want to congratulate UNICEF Canada, Children’s Healthcare Canada, the Pediatric Chairs of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for this meaningful and impactful work.
Colleagues, as you have heard me say before, every child deserves to have every opportunity to live and thrive in our country. I encourage all senators to read this report and to consider how you can make a difference. Together we can make Canada the best place to be a kid. Thank you. Meegwetch.