The NCA strategy has placed heavy emphasis on early intervention, especially in early childhood. This strategy has ignored the potential of early intervention during early adolescence. It could be an important legacy of the new federal government. Canadians do not have to start from ground zero. Other countries have provided models that we may emulate and adapt to suit our national values.
Paediatricians can play a leadership role in promoting the development of such an agenda.
I believe we can. After all, we are advocates for children and youth. Pan American Health Organization. Plan of Action for Health and Development of Adolescents and Youth in the Americas 1998-2001. Pan American Health Organization, 1998.