Ministers Meet Expert on Child Development
Premier John Hamm and members of his cabinet met with a Canadian expert on child development in Halifax today and discussed a policy direction for children's programs in Nova Scotia.
Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services, hosted a breakfast presentation by Dr. Fraser Mustard, a world-renowned expert on early child development. Dr. Mustard is visiting Nova Scotia as part of Child Care Awareness Week.
Dr. Mustard was joined by Margaret Norrie McCain, child advocate and former lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick. Dr. Mustard and Mrs. Norrie McCain recently co-chaired a study to help set a direction for children's policy in Ontario.
"Reversing the Real Brain Drain: the Early Years Study offers many lessons for all of us here, and indeed for all of society," said Mr. Christie, who attended Dr. Mustard's public lecture Thursday evening, which was titled Quality Child Care is a Good Place to Grow.
"All of us must make sure that children get the nurturing and support they need in the earliest years so they have the best chance of growing up healthy, happy, and successful."
The Early Years Study, commissioned by Premier Mike Harris last year and released this spring, is the product of a 10-member reference group co-chaired by Dr. Mustard and Mrs. Norrie McCain. The report reinforces conclusions reached in previous studies that a child's brain development in the first six years of life sets the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health.
Mr. Christie said Nova Scotia is already working to implement projects based on these research findings. Projects such as Growing Together, which provides support to parents of young children, and Get Set for Life, an awareness campaign on early childhood development, are good examples of what needs to be done in Nova Scotia, he said.
The presentation was attended by Premier Hamm and cabinet ministers with responsibilities for children's programs, including: Michael Baker, Minister of Justice; Jane Purves, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission; Jamie Muir, Minister of Health; Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Youth Secretariat Act; and John Chataway, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
A number of deputy ministers also attended, along with members of the Children and Youth Action Committee, which includes officials from six government departments and agencies who work together to develop co-ordinated children's policy.
"We will be taking a careful look at this study to determine where we can invest wisely for sake of our children," said Mr. Christie. "It was a very productive discussion and we thank Dr. Mustard for raising awareness of this important issue."