The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a disproportionate burden on children and youth. School closures have led to poor mental health, learning loss and vulnerability to abuse. From the onset of the pandemic, Children First Canada has led a coordinated national response to mitigate the impact on children. Every day matters. Kids can’t afford to wait.
Read more about the impact of COVID-19 on children in Canada and the recommendations from our Council of Champions to the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Access fun activities for kids, a youth toolkit, videos and more!
One in three children in Canada do not enjoy a safe and healthy childhood – and the impacts of COVID-19 have made things worse. We’re urging the federal government to invest in the lives of children and protect their rights. Sign our Call to Action now!
The impacts of COVID-19 have led to devasting effects on children and youth. Children First Canada and its partners are declaring a #codePINK – a term used for pediatric emergencies. Join our call for immediate action!
Need help explaining COVID-19 to your kids? Download a digital or audio version of this free book for primary school children.
CALGARY, ALTA, September 7, 2022 – As children across the country get ready for the new school year, Raising Canada 2022 tracks the top 10 threats to childhood – including poor mental health, food insecurity, systemic racism, child abuse and climate change – underscoring children are in crisis across the...
Calgary, July 30, 2021 – Earlier this week, the Province of Alberta announced plans to lift public health restrictions to curtail the spread of COVID-19, putting children and youth at very grave risk. The change in policy includes no longer requiring mandatory isolation of people who test positive for COVID-19,...
Ottawa, June 29, 2021 – Canada’s top advocates and experts united to declare a #codePINK (a term used for pediatric emergencies) and called on federal and provincial leaders for an emergency response to address the crisis affecting children’s mental and physical health. Forty days later, they are still waiting for...
Children First Canada has released a new resource to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 school closures on children and youth. This resource builds on the success of the online interactive tool created by Statistics Canada and Children First Canada in March and serves as a companion document to the...
Toronto, June 2, 2021 – The Ontario government announced today that students will not return to in-class learning before September, meanwhile plans to reopen the economy – including non-essential businesses – are still underway. Children First Canada calls upon the Ontario government to make children and youth a priority and...
Calgary, May 27, 2021 – The Alberta government has announced new plans to address the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth. Children First Canada (CFC) welcomes the acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation and the commitment to provide a whole-of-government response to the crisis. CFC...
