The Defence For Children International – Canada Charter Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) is a consultative forum for the DCI – Canada to engage in meaningful dialogue with the children’s rights sector; to advance emerging issues relating to challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”) involving children and youth; to engage with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (the “UNCRC”); and to engage with legislative and regulatory frameworks provincially, territorially and federally to
ensure that children and youth rights are supported, and not diminished, in Canada.
The Committee provides the Board of Directors of DCI – Canada (the “Board”) with recommendations for Charter advocacy, intervention and action. The Committee may also make recommendations regarding legislation relating to its mandate, and matters involving the UNCRC.
Terms of Reference
The Committee will start recruitment in the spring of 2025. By 2026 the Committee will consist of up to 20 members, with at least one from each province and territory in Canada. The composition will include:
- a Chair with legal experience;
- members with legal and/or direct-advocacy experience grounded in Charter subject matter expertise and children and youth rights.
- At minimum one member who does hold membership on the Defence For Children International – Canada Board of Directors to act as a liaison role.
All members and the chair serve two (2) year terms commencing when the Board confirms
their appointment.
Membership is voluntary and members are not paid for their time, services or travel. Meetings
will be held virtually.
Roles and Responsibilities of Members:
- participating on a regular basis, not missing more than 2 consecutive meetings;
- identifying emerging issues;
- proposing topics for discussion;
- providing input on the Charter rights of children and youth;
- participating in or leading working groups;
- consulting with representatives of the human rights sector and with their own communities on topics raised by the Committee; and,
- contributing to the development of recommendations.
Committee members are not voting national directors nor spokespersons for DCI. Members are selected to bring their knowledge, sector experience, and diverse perspectives forward on issues affecting children and youth rights in Canada. Members agree not to use the Committee as a means for personal financial gain, or to further the sole interests of any organization, research or proceeding they are involved with.
The Committee meets twice per year in Ottawa, or more frequently if necessary. Members may attend in person, by videoconference, or by teleconference.
Call to Action
Please respond to this Expression of Interest by June 15th, 2025. The Board will provide a response to those selected within 30 days. It is the intention of the current chair and board liaison to host an initial meeting in the fall of 2025.
Please send your interest to: julie.kirkpatrick@dci-canada.org
