This morning, the City of Amos held a press conference to raise awareness among neighbouring municipalities in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and other municipalities in Quebec about the cause of children in the DPJ.
This press conference was the first step in a process that aims to have a positive impact on an alarming situation in Abitibi. The objective of this press conference was to encourage municipalities to adhere to theMunicipal Charter for the Protection of Children, an initiative of the municipality of Fortierville in collaboration with Espace MUNI and the Fédération québécoise des municipalités. This Charter aims to promote the implementation of means that will contribute to the protection of children and offer them a healthy and safe environment.
Alarming statistics
The number of children who are reported and who are in need of protection continues to increase and the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region is at the top of the list. In the last year, 123 children out of 1000 were reported to the DPJ in Abitibi, while in Quebec as a whole, there was an average of 74 reports out of 1000 children. Unfortunately, the pandemic context did not help limit cases of abuse. With the closing of schools and daycare centres, this meant the loss of an important safety net.
A conference for the municipalities of Abitibi-Témiscamingue
In order to continue the process of improving the protection of Abitibi's children, the Town of Amos will host a conference with Nancy Audet on December 2nd.
Having herself been a child of the DPJ, Nancy Audet, speaker, host and journalist, was present at this morning's press conference to remind us of the importance of joining forces to protect children. "These children are our children. We must take care of them.
Looking at the most recent statistics, there are more than 48,000 reports retained in Quebec. That's more than 300 children a day, the equivalent of five big yellow buses full of children every day. By using this image, Nancy Audet wants to "give a voice to these children" and allow them to be heard.
Her lecture "Never again shame - The unlikely journey of a little pokegirl" is her story. It is also the reality that thousands of children experience every year.
With this conference, Nancy Audet, the Town of Amos and the participating towns and municipalities wish to send a message of hope and invite all Quebec municipalities to join the movement and commit to the protection of children by adopting the Municipal Charter for the Protection of Children.
More than a motivational tool
When we talk about conferences or speakers, we often think of motivational speeches to animate or inspire a group.
Using this conference offered by the town of Amos as an example, it can be said that conferences can also serve as a message of hope and awareness for a cause.
Whether it is for the cause of child protection, obesity awareness, diversity or suicide, speakers all have a purpose and a story to tell. And often these stories can serve not only to raise awareness but can sometimes even be a trigger for change towards a new life.
If there's a cause close to your heart in your organization or municipality, consider inviting a speaker to support your cause and spread the word!
Topics covered by our speakers :
Child protection:
Obesity awareness :
Diversity :
Suicide :