Senator's Statements - Marie-Ève Brunet-Kitchen, Congratulations on Appointment as Commissioner for Children’s Welfare and Rights
Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize a significant milestone in protecting children’s rights here in our country. On May 12, 2025, Marie-Ève Brunet-Kitchen took office as Quebec’s first Commissioner for the Welfare and Rights of Children. This independent office demonstrates Quebec’s commitment to upholding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The new commissioner’s mandate focuses on promoting the well-being and protecting the rights of all children in Quebec. She will amplify their voices, listen to their concerns, advocate for their interests and work to ensure that every child is aware of and empowered by their rights. Ms. Brunet-Kitchen’s extensive background in defending children’s rights and knowledge of the youth protection system positions her well to advocate for Quebec’s most vulnerable young people.
I send sincere congratulations to Marie-Ève Brunet-Kitchen on her appointment and commend Quebec for this important step forward. This appointment comes at a critical time when Canada must do more to protect children’s rights. UNICEF’s recent Report Card 19 reveals troubling gaps in our performance. Canada ranks only nineteenth out of thirty-six wealthy countries in overall child and youth well-being, far below what we should expect from one of the world’s wealthiest nations — a nation where our ambition should be to see that every child thrives.
The report exposes concerning deficiencies in mental health support, educational outcomes and social protection for Canadian children. Indeed, too many of our young people face poverty, inadequate access to health care and are vulnerable to harm or abuse. These systemic failures in Canada demand our urgent attention.
Children lack the full means to advocate for themselves, making independent commissioners essential to amplify their voices at the highest level of government. Quebec’s leadership in children’s rights should inspire action across Canada.
As a pediatrician and an advocate for children’s well-being, I urge parliamentarians to make children’s rights a top priority in the Forty-fifth Parliament. Our children deserve a comprehensive plan that addresses their rights and well-being from coast to coast to coast.
Thank you. Meegwetch.