National Child Day
National Child Day Celebration in the Senate Chamber – November 23, 2009
Every year, to celebrate National Child Day, children from across the Ottawa area fill the Senate Chamber for a morning of inspiration and entertainment.
National Child Day was created by the United Nations 20 years ago this year. To celebrate this landmark anniversary the theme of this year’s National Child Day celebration is, “Coming of Age”.
By ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment includes that they be given the opportunity to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.
This year, as in previous years, Senators Jim Munson (Ottawa / Rideau Canal) and Terry M. Mercer (Nova Scotia – Northend Halifax), and Ethel Cochrane (Newfoundland and Labrador) will invite hundreds of schoolchildren from the Ottawa area to fill the Senate Chamber and enjoy a morning’s program of young performers and speakers.
Some of this year’s performers include Propeller Dance, Baobab Drummers, HB Breakers, and the Ottawa Catholic School Board Choir. Motivational speakers will include clients of University of Victoria’s CanAssist program and Big Brothers and Big Sisters Ottawa.