We need a children’s recovery plan

The pandemic’s impact on children will be felt for decades to come. CHEO and the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Children and Youth Mental Health know intimately that you only have once chance to have a good childhood. Given the repercussions of reduced social, physical and mental stimulation on developing brains, swift action must be taken to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on children. While the various provincial and federal ministries are largely responsible for funding allocations for children’s services, there is much municipalities can do to ensure the facilities that are required to run children’s programming are open and available for the many organizations who run programs for children and youth. The Ottawa Fusion Volleyball Club was one of the very few volleyball clubs to keep running practices throughout the pandemic, only stopping temporarily for lock down periods. Most Ontario clubs folded or paused. Resurrecting clubs and programming will take a recognition by all that children have lost opportunities that we can help them recoup.