“The notion of family is elastic”

A kid brings responsibility and it will always be an eternal connection between a couple, even if the relationship doesn’t work well in the end. As soon as they are born, the parents are entrusted to protect them. That being said, protection is defined as giving them the skills to experience independence and become resilient in what the world throws at them. This will result in meaningful life lessons, where the children acquire a skill set where they can apply in their daily lives.

Families Canada is a national association that works with more than 500 member agencies across Canada. The association was created in 1976 and since then is helping to build the capacity of parents, caregivers, and its members.

Like all humans, children have rights and these rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. They have the right to survival and the right to protection from harm, neglect and exploitation. Families Canada promotes the rights and interests of children and the right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life.

Milénio Stadium: How many types of families do we have in Canada?

Families Canada: The notion of “family’ is elastic.  Families come in all shapes and sizes.  As per the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, family is the first level of support wrapping around a child, followed by community and state (government). Each has a job to enable the positive growing up experience of that child.

MS: What type of help does Families Canada provides to the parents and the kids?

FC: Families Canada is a 44-year-old organization with a rich history of supporting families across the country. We are experts at bringing partners together to translate science into multi-lingual, multi-media practical supports for front line service providers and for families. Topics include parenting, fathering, play, financial literacy, social inclusion of newcomers, intergenerational volunteering and food safety.

MS: Some couples would like to have more kids, but they can’t afford childcare. Canada should have birth policies?

FC: Universal quality childcare remains an aspirational goal across Canada. Some provinces and territories are further ahead in creating affordable options for families, underpinned by funds transferred from the Government of Canada.

MS: The traditional family will continue to exist?

FC: Family are the caring persons that closely support a child during their growing up years: the links are not always genetic, nor will they follow a set structure.   

MS: When we came to Canada as immigrants, we already have our concept of family or that changes when we choose to live in a different country?

FC: The structures or definitions of family likely soften over time as newcomers adapt to Canada. Each newcomer experience will be different as will expectations of family members.

Joana Leal/MS