FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2026

Green Party announces new legislation to require children’s rights be assessed during government decision-making

Charlottetown, PE – Today Green MLA Karla Bernard announced she will be tabling legislation to require government to develop and use a Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) when developing legislation and making budget decisions that impact our children.

This legislation comes on the heels of the latest spring budget under Premier Lantz, which saw cuts to childcare, books for pre-schoolers, and bike rebates – all programs that directly impact the well-being and development of Island children.

“I was shocked and disappointed to see that when Premier Lantz and his Ministers were faced with having to make budget cuts, they chose to make them at the expense of our kids,” said Bernard. “It’s unfortunate that we have to legislate a government to prioritize our children, but if that’s what it takes, then I’m willing to do the work.”

The Greens under Leader Matt MacFarlane believe that investments made into our children are good value for money. They believe that investing in our children’s education, care and physical health will always pay off in the long-term.

“Under Premier Lantz our deficit has grown because of reckless government spending on things that do not benefit everyday Islanders,” said MacFarlane. “Now we see an effort from Premier Lantz to reduce our deficit by pulling important investments for children and their families. Trying to fix a budget on the backs of kids is simply wrong and we will not sit by while another budget is tabled that further hurts our province’s young people.”

Bernard will be conducting consultations on the proposed legislation over the summer.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca