For Immediate Release
OTTAWA (October, 18, 2012) – For over two decades the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) has asked successive federal governments to put in place a national independent advocate or representative charged with making sure that in Canada, our children are put first and their rights are protected.
Despite the efforts of CASW and other national organizations dedicated to protecting and supporting children and youth, Canada sadly still has no independent body at the national level to ensure that their rights are placed at the centre of social and public policy.
“Granted issues such as child welfare, child care and other necessary programming are essentially provincial jurisdictions, their funding is directly impacted by the policy directions of the federal government” states CASW President, Morel Caissie. “Having a national independent office or representative whose responsibility will be to bring accountability to federal decisions will provide leadership to the provinces and territories to share and enact the best practices to protect our children.”
CASW today respectfully asks the Harper Government to help protect children by supporting the current legislation (Bill C-420) before the Parliament of Canada.
“All opposition parties have already expressed full support for the bill and it will be realized for the children of Canada if the Prime Minister makes it a priority” notes Caissie. “Canadians are hopeful the Harper Government chooses now to make history and make protecting our children a number one priority.”
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For more information:
Fred Phelps MSW, RSW
CASW Executive Director
Tel.: 613.729.6668
Background:
Bill C-420:
Commissioner for Children and Young Persons in Canada Act - An Act to establish the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young Persons in Canada
Introduced as a Private Member’s Bill on May 3, 2012 by Marc Garneau, Member of Parliament for Westmount—Ville-Marie.
About:
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) was founded in 1926 and has evolved into a national social work organization that promotes the profession of social work and advances issues of social justice.