November 20, 2011

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of National Child Day

OTTAWA—My wife Sharon and I are delighted to celebrate National Child Day.

In our opinion, taking care of our family’s well-being and cherishing our family to the best of our ability has always been our greatest responsibility, one that we accepted quite willingly. As they grew and developed, our children taught us so much about life. It has been an incredible lesson in humility, but one of the most gratifying experiences of our lives.

Sharon and I always believed it was essential to give our children opportunities to be heard, to protect them from danger, to see that their fundamental needs were met and to help them reach their full potential. However, for a wide variety of reasons, the respect for children’s rights and dignity is not a reality in every home.

Today, Canada is celebrating the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. I invite all Canadians to consider how we can ensure that the rights of children and young people around the world are promoted and respected all year long. For inspiration, please click here to visit the Government of Canada’s website on National Child Day.

I wish everyone—and especially children—a wonderful, memorable day.

David Johnston

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National Child Day is celebrated on November 20th each year.

Media information:

Christelle Legault
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
christelle.legault@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
 

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