The Canadian Centre for Child Protection celebrated its 30th anniversary Friday night.
The non-profit charitable organization is dedicated to protecting children and reducing child victimization.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a keynote address that recognized the organization for protecting young victims of crime, educating the public about child safety, sexual exploitation and cyberbullying, as well as helping find missing children.
Harper reaffirmed the Conservative government’s commitment to keep dangerous criminals behind bars, rebalance the justice system to give victims of crime a strong voice, and keep illegal guns, gangs and drugs out of communities. He also mentioned protecting Canadians from terrorism.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Victims Bill of Rights Act has received Royal Assent. The legislation creates a bill of rights for victims of crime that includes the right to information, protection, participation and restitution, where possible.
The Centre also honoured Harper and wife Laureen for their extensive work on protecting the rights of victims of crime, especially children.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection launched in April 1985 as Child Find Manitoba, following the disappearance and murder of 13-year-old Candace Derksen. It grew to provide national education and prevention programs, such as Cybertip.ca, a tip line to report online sexual predators. In 2006, it was renamed the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister and Laureen held a roundtable discussion on criminal justice at Winakwa Community Club with victims' advocates, including Sheldon Kennedy. Harper announced additional funding for Child Advocacy Centres to support young victims of crime, a commitment made in the 2015 budget.
