Child Rights and Well-Being in Nova Scotia: A Critical Conversation

Childhood lays the foundations for lifelong health and well-being. Children and youth have a fundamental right to have their needs met and to have their health and well-being considered a priority. Nova Scotia is one of the last provinces in Canada to create an independent body focused on asserting and protecting children’s rights. At present, legislation in support of an independent Child and Youth Commission (CYC) is being considered to monitor child rights and engage young people in conversations about the things that matter to them. On November 18, 2022, and in recognition of National Child Day, a “Fishbowl Conversation” panel presentation was convened, with the panel held in-person at Dalhousie University and an audience participating online. The panel engaged in a critical conversation about ongoing work in Nova Scotia aimed at addressing child rights and well-being, for the purpose of guiding the work of a CYC. This commentary article summarizes the recommendations from this panel, unifying the work from various reports and initiatives addressing child rights in the province.