'Not alright': children's advocate says new report reveals worsening living standards for Canadian kids
Quality of life for Canadian kids is getting worse by some counts, according to the sixth annual 'Raising Canada' report.
The 2022 report was authored by researchers from the University of Calgary, McGill University and the University of Toronto, as well as the children's advocacy group Children First Canada.
"One of the overarching messages of the report is that the kids are not alright," said Sara Austin, founder and CEO of Children First Canada.
It identified the following as the top 10 threats to childhood in Canada:
- Unintentional and preventable injuries;
- Poor mental health;
- Violence against children and youth;
- Vaccine-preventable illnesses;
- Systemic racism and discrimination;
- Poverty;
- Infant mortality;
- Bullying;
- Limited physical activity and play; and
- Climate change.
Leaders with Children First Canada say all of the items on the list are interconnected.
"We cannot look at these things in isolation," said Austin. "It requires a holistic view of what is happening in the lives our children and we need to see a holistic plan by our province and our federal leaders to tackle these issues."
FOOD INSECURITY
Access to food is an increasing concern with food insecurity among young people rising by 29 per cent.
"Kids are going to school hungry and that means they are not able to learn and achieve their full potential. It's concerning that in a country and a province as prosperous and wealthy as we are, that are kids are falling so far behind," said Austin.
Leaders with Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids say they are in high demand to provide meals for Calgary students with the return of the school year, saying they are on track to provide lunches for 6,500 kids every school day, up 20 per cent from last school year.
"It's easy for that to feel so overwhelming, so I want to feel hope about that. I want to feel like this is something that we can do something about -- that governments and community can all come together," said Bethany Ross, executive director for the organization.
Ross also says awareness is important, especially as the issue faces more and more Canadian children.
CALLS TO ACTION
A news release sent Tuesday outlines specific calls to action, that were "endorsed by Children First Canada's Council of Champions, and developed with the input of children and youth from the Young Canadians' Parliament."
It suggests federal leaders do the following to improve quality of life for Canadian Children:
- Lead for and with kids: Establish a federal commissioner for children and youth, develop a national strategy for children and youth, and develop a national data strategy on the health and well-being of young Canadians.
- Invest in kids: Launch a catalytic investment fund for children over the next four years and publish a children's budget.
- Raise them with rights: Support child rights education and provide children and youth with a platform to exercise their rights as leaders of today and tomorrow.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'No sign of life' at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran's president
Rescuers on Monday found a helicopter that was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, which had crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran the day before.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.