This release was issued under a previous government.

“Children are far more likely to thrive and to have positive outcomes in their life if they are safe in their homes and in their communities. That’s why children’s safety is at the heart of the services and supports we provide. With safety and protection, children can focus on important activities like playing, learning and growing while developing the tools and skills they need to reach their full potential.

I encourage Albertans to celebrate children and support the right to be safe because every child deserves a safe and loving home.

“The theme for National Child Day 2017 is the Right to be Safe, which reminds us of the importance of making life better for children in need of safety and protection. Children have many rights: they have the right to a voice, the right to have their basic needs met and, most importantly, the right to be safe.

“Albertans can show their support for children’s right to be safe by wearing blue and sharing National Child Day celebration photos, stories and videos with @NatlChildDay on Twitter using the hashtags #NationalChildDay and #RightToBeSafe.”