Description:

The conference will combine a thematic approach with case studies and workshops for sectoral application. The first day will offer panel discussions on major themes, such as:
• Meaning and interpretation of "Best Interests of the Child"
• Best Interests and the right to participate
• Best Interests and other articles in the Convention on the
Rights of the Child
• Use of the Best Interests principle in relation to groups of
children (i.e. as a tool of policy formation) as well as
individual children
• Best Interests in the context of Canada's constitution

The second day will be organized in workshops for in-depth dialogue on application of the principle in various areas, such as: health care, immigration, family law, youth justice, aboriginal issues, child welfare, education, and others depending on the level of interest.