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Spotlight

CWLC has often spoken out in the media on areas of importance to our members. On occasion, we will respond to articles or statements, made in various media, on the many issues we advocate for. Read on below to see how CWLC has taken action on behalf of our members, stakeholders, the public and most importantly, the vulnerable young people we serve.

Response to Globe and Mail Article on Aboriginal Child Protection System in Manitoba
2009-10-15 22:54

Note - Our response was submitted to the Globe and Mail on October 15, 2007.
On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Globe and Mail published an article by Margaret Wente, titled "White guilt, dead children - in the name of political correctness", which focused on the Manitoba child protection system. Please read the full article.

Dear Editor,

The protection and safety of children must be the paramount concern of child welfare services. Respecting the race, culture and religion of children is also in their best interests and a fundamental right.

Ms. Wente's analysis of an 'either/or' decision is superficial, misleading and does not promote the best interests of children. When children require substitute care, securing a placement that ensures their safety and promotes their identity is the goal.

There is an urgent requirement to address the needs of vulnerable Aboriginal children and build capacity with Aboriginal child and family services.

We applaud the new funding being provided by the federal government to four provinces for Aboriginal child welfare prevention services, and urge the expansion of these services.

Sincerely,

Peter Dudding, Executive Director, Child Welfare League of Canada
First Nations child services funding in Saskatchewan
2009-10-15 22:12

Peter Dudding, CWLC Executive Director, comments on the current state of funding for First Nations child services. This article first appeared in the Regina Leader-Post on Monday, September 17, 2007.
Read the article here.
Response to Ottawa Citizen Opinion Piece on Physical Punishment
2007-10-15 15:02

Note - Our response was published in the Ottawa Citizen on June 30, 2007. We thank Dr. Joan Durrant for her assistance in writing our response.

In response to a letter from Andrea Mrozek and Dave Quist (“Spanking is not child abuse”), we wish to clarify a few points. Most parents love their children and want to be great parents. But most learn parenting on the job. Often, spanking is an emotional reaction that parents soon regret. And sometimes parents spank because their own parents did, so they are unaware of better solutions.

One problem with spanking is that it doesn’t teach children what we really want them to learn. It doesn’t teach them how to resolve conflict, deal with frustration, or express themselves appropriately. In fact, it models the opposite behaviours. Studies have consistently shown that even “everyday” forms of physical punishment predict higher levels of aggression in children, poorer parent-child relationships, and poorer mental health. Research clearly shows that ongoing physical punishment places children’s healthy development at risk over the long term. Canadian parents are interested in learning and modelling positive alternatives. Read the entire article.