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A new report on the health of Canada's children has called for the creation of a federal Commissioner for Children and Youth.
The Canadian Pediatric Society report, titled "Are We Doing Enough?", examined a number of youth health issues, such as mental health, smoking and obesity. Among the report's suggestions was the creation of an independent commissioner to develop strategies aimed at improving the well-being of the nation's youngest citizens. The proposal was an update of a Senate recommendation from April to establish the office.
The commissioner, said former CPS president Denis Leduc, would be accountable to both the federal government and Canadian children.
"I can't imagine any government putting our children anywhere else but on top of their priorities," he said.
Leduc said the biggest problems confronting the health-care system do not necessarily require more funding to be resolved. Rather, he said a commissioner would help to make the most pressing children's issues more visible. "It's something you can't put under the carpet any more."
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Erik Waddell, a spokesman for Health Minister Tony Clement, said youth health concerns prompted his office to appoint a special advisor to examine provincial health strategies.
"We're looking at what priorities are for Canadians across the country," said Waddell.
When the adviser's report is published in July, Waddell said, Health Canada will act on its suggestions.
- reprinted from the CanWest News Service