moved that Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to introduce in the House Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada.
I would like to thank Senator Moodie for introducing this important legislation in the Senate and for her leadership in championing the well-being of children and youth across our country not just in the Senate but also during her career as a physician. Children and youth represent Canada's future, yet the policies and programs that support them are too often fragmented across jurisdictions and sectors alike.
Bill S-212 would require the federal government to work with provinces and territories, indigenous partners, experts, families and, critically, youth and children themselves to develop a national strategy that would bring greater coordination and accountability to these efforts. The bill would establish a framework for consultations, measurable goals, an action plan and regular reporting to Parliament to help improve outcomes for children and youth across Canada.
I look forward to working with colleagues from all parties to move this important legislation forward.
(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)