Toronto, April 12, 1999 -- Ministers reviewed progress on the development of the National Children's Agenda and discussed ways they could begin to consult Canadians on developing a shared vision for children. All Ministers extended a warm welcome to the representative of the new territory of Nunavut, who was participating at the Ministerial Council for the first time.
The Council, co-chaired by Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada and Bernhard Wiens, Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs for Saskatchewan, will meet again in early May, in Saskatchewan, to finalize the discussion papers to be used for consulting with Canadians.
Governments have sought the input of Aboriginal organizations in the development of the National Children's Agenda, and will continue to work with them to ensure that this Agenda addresses the needs of their children and families.
Ministers also had a preliminary discussion on the role of the Ministerial Council in the implementation of the Social Union Framework Agreement.
* Quebec attended the Ministerial Council meeting as an Observer. While Quebec agrees with the objectives of the NCA, the references in this communique does not include Quebec.
For more information, contact:
Glenda Yeates
Deputy Minister of Social Services
Saskatchewan Government
(306) 787-3491
Patricia Morissette
Office of Minister Pettigrew
Human Resources Development Canada
(819) 953-2353