The case for the establishment of a Commissioner for Canada's Children has been well made since prior to the turn of the century with Canada's ratification of the UNCRC in 1991. In order to ensure that the UNCRC is fully implemented in Canada, further resources and further commitment by the Government of Canada is required. Canada is one of the few countries that still allows corporal punishment for children. The fact that many programmes related to children are a provincial responsibility has resulted in a patchwork of law and policy where even the definition of a child varies from province to province. Most provinces have some kind of Child Commission or advocate and they have requested a Federal equivalent. Without some co-ordination, and one office overseeing Federal legislation and linking with the provinces, it is clear that Canada will not be able to have national policy and standards with regards to children.
Legislation has been introduced and the last government did not support, primarily it seems, for financial reasons. The proposed 7 million dollar budget is a minuscule amount for the Federal government. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice pointed out 4 countries that did not have such an office, including the United States. The United States and Somalia are the only two countries which have not ratified the UNHRC, which hardly makes them a shining example of how to look after children.
The question of First Nations children is also a hot potato, with provincial and federal governments trying to pass off responsibility while many First Nation children and families live in Third World conditions. A Federal Commissioner might be able to implement or influence positive changes.
Canada did ratify the UNCRC. After more than 35 years it is past time to implement it.