UNICEF calls for 'Children's Commissioner' to improve kids' equality
By Crawford Kilian
December 2, 2010
Tyee

Canadian children in poor families are suffering from a widening inequality gap, according to a UNICEF report published December 3. But, it says, Canada can take measures to improve their future.

The report, titled The Children Left Behind, documents the situation of children in 24 of the world's richest countries. The report argues that Canada's kids are about in the middle. In material wellbeing, we rank 17th out of 24, though Canadian kids' education wellbeing is above average and so is their health. The report says:

Family income has a huge influence on virtually all aspects of child development. A large gap leads not only to squandered individual lives but also to poorer average levels of well being for all children. The heaviest costs of falling behind are paid by the child….

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