National Family Week
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National Family Week takes place in Canada the week before Thanksgiving every year. It was proclaimed an official week by the government of Canada in 1985. [1] National Family Week is celebrated throughout the country with special events put on by community organizations.
It is a distinct event from Family Day which is a statutory holiday created by the provincial governments of Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
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[edit] Action
National Family Week has two different main purposes. The first is to celebrate the contribution that families make in our lives, and the second involves the distribution of resource materials/kits. These kits contain activities and ideas related to the annual theme and are available to families as well as those who work with them. They are developed by FRP Canada in partnership with other national partners.
The theme for 2008 is Strengthening Ties Through Family Traditions. The week will take place October 6 to 12.
[edit] Organizers
The Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (FRP Canada) is a non-profit organization that aims to help families by providing resources, national leadership and consultation to those who care for and support them. Their vision is "to build a Canada that cares for its children, its families and its communities." [2] There are over 2000 family resource programs in Canada serving approximately 500,000 families.
For more than 10 years, Family Service Canada coordinated National Family Week activities. At the invitation of Family Service Canada, FRP Canada took on the lead role in 2007.
[edit] Government Perspective
National Family Week offers an opportunity for the federal government to honour families and to introduce new legislation or modify existing laws in ways that it deems will help families.
In 2007, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Monte Solberg, stated that "Canada's New Government is proud to celebrate National Family Week and to recognize the important role that families play in this country. Families are the building blocks of our society, and we will continue delivering on our commitment to support and strengthen them.”[3]
[edit] United States
National Family Week in the USA takes place the week of American Thanksgiving. It was first proclaimed by Ronald Reagan on November 19, 1987.[4] It is organized by the Alliance for Children and Families.
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
1.Barry Devolin M.P. Retrieved June 3 2008
2.Culture.ca Magazine Retrieved June 3 2008
3.Family Service Canada
4.FRP Canada
5.National Family Week USA
6.Public Law 100-166; Joint Resolution to Create National Family Week
