June 16, the city of Montreal unveiled its Child Policy, aiming to meet the needs of all children on its territory.

On June 16 2016, the city of Montreal unveiled its Child Policy, aiming to meet, year-round, the cognitive, emotional, physical and social needs of all children on its territory. A commitment of $ 25 million over a period of 5 years was announced.

Daniel Germain, Founder of the Club des petits dejeuners, Mayor Denis Coderre, Dr. Gilles Julien, Founder of Fondation du Dr Julien and Sun Youth’s Assistant Executive Vice-President, Tommy Kulczyk all cheer the announcement of the new Montreal Child’s Policy.

The Child Policy provides for the sharing of skills of participants from all sectors for the optimum development of Montreal children aged 0 to 17 years. The policy is a call for collaboration and action, as mentioned by Ms Erika Duschesne, city councilor and head of the Child Policy. The city of Montreal can already count on its partners of the first hour: Sun Youth, the Fondation du Dr Julien and the Club des petits dejeuners.

The approach as presented is intended to be modifiable and flexible so as to adjust to the different realities of the nine districts identified. In effect, starting August 29, children in fifty schools from nine districts will have access to breakfast, through the Club des petits dejeuners. Other needs identified during the school year will then be seen to by community organizations, including the Fondation du Dr Julien and Sun Youth. Extracurricular activities will also be offered. Already, one can foresee the participation of Espace pour la vie, Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, Quartier des spectacles, Montreal Impact and Alouettes, who attended the press conference. The STM will offer 1.2 million bus fares to schools and day camps to facilitate the transportation of children.

Mayor Coderre described June 16 as a historic day. ”We want our children to have every chance to become autonomous citizens with open-minds, caring for themselves and for others… For many, the path is still littered with obstacles.” He hopes that those active on the municipal scene and their partners develop a ”reflex towards children”. In addition, he will create a new position of Children’s Commissioner in Montreal.

Sun Youth strongly supports this vision of a fulfilling future for our children and is committed to mobilize all necessary resources to set up favorable conditions for the welfare of children.