Vaughan, Ontario - On November 20th of each year, Canadians celebrate National Child Day. This day commemorates Canada's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that spells out the basic human rights to which children under the age of 18 are entitled.

“Children are our future and a top priority of our government,” said Minister Fantino. “Today my wife Liviana and I visited with children and teachers at St. Padre Pio Catholic Elementary School in Vaughan to commemorate this day and its importance to our community.”

This morning, Minister Fantino, accompanied by his wife Liviana, met with a grade three class and all grade five classes at St. Padre Pio to discuss Minister Fantino’s role in government, his portfolio and the Canadian political system; which students begin to learn in grade five.

“Our government takes our children’s future seriously. We support parents whose children participate in organized sports, we have introduced the Universal Child Care Benefit, the Child Tax credit, the Child Care Expense Deduction and the Canada Child Tax Benefit,” added Minister Fantino.

The Government of Canada values the important contribution that families make to the country's well-being by caring for and raising children and youth. Canadians are invited and encouraged to take time to acknowledge National Child Day. For additional information, visit the National Child Day Web site at www.childday.gc.ca.