Earlier this month our family headed to Toronto for a couple of days. Teagan’s imprint is of course all over this trip from the decision to take the train ride to the constant stories that her brothers tell about her and the reality that the purpose was to support a Children’s Rights conference. It seems like just yesterday Teagan was with us on the train to catch a Blue Jays game and go up the CN Tower. Of course Teagan’s favourite part of the trip was Ripley’s Aquarium with a close second being the outdoor pool on the 17th floor of the Hyatt Hotel.
November 20th is ‘National Child Day’ and Teagan’s older brother was attending the 2nd Annal National Children’s Summit. Last year in Ottawa they drafted the first Canadian Children’s Charter (which he also participated in) and one year later they have a final document to share with the many stakeholders including the Federal and Provincial Governments.
The kids identified a need for a National Commission for Children, specific funds allocated in the budget for children and the enactment of the Canadian Children’s Charter. Teagan’s Voice from very early on has been advocating for a Federal Children’s Advocate and if that manifests itself as a National Commission that accomplishes many of the same objectives.
It has been inspiring as a citizen to watch these young people collaborate to make Canada a safe place for Children. We rank an embarrassing 26 of 41 wealthy nations in child welfare as reported by the United Nations – which in my opinion is a national embarrassment. As a parent I could not be more proud of our son channeling the tragedy of losing his sister into something so positive. A huge thank you to Children First Canada and Sara Austin for their passion in driving this initiative.
Teagan's Voice 