Unicef Canada's Response to Preview Report at Truth & Reconciliation Commission Closing Ceremonies

Virtual Press Office
June 2, 2015

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UNICEF Canada responds to the preview report from the Closing Ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Ottawa:

From Toronto, UNICEF Canada's President and CEO:

"Following the historic apology by the Government of Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been a very important process to support healing and to educate Canadians about the legacy of residential schools that is seen in the struggles of communities and children to thrive today. This reconciliation process is critical for healing the relations between people and emphasizes how important the early years are for people and for a society.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are handrails on the pathway for a better future and governments at all levels should commit to an implementation plan."

From Ottawa, UNICEF Canada's Chief Policy Advisor, Marv Bernstein:

"Moving from this point forward as a nation we need to continue the journey and ensure that indigenous children are as healthy, well-educated and supported in their communities as we want all of our children to be. The equitable and fair treatment of Aboriginal citizens and their children is everyone's responsibility and not just that of government.

The preview of today's report also stresses the value of education for Aboriginal children and the importance of including this history in school curricula.

At UNICEF Canada, we'll be examining the report for what we can do and urge all Canadians to do the same."

Jordan's Principle Report:

In February 2015, UNICEF Canada released a report pointing to some immediate steps to help ensure children living in First Nation reserve communities receive the same basic services as other children in their areas do; a principle endorsed by parliament called Jordan's Principle. More information is available here:

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada