Presented by

Celebrating Canada’s Top 10 U18 Changemakers

2025 Winners Announced!

Ainara Alleyne

Hamilton, Ontario

Presented by Children First Canada

Angelika Bell

Toronto, Ontario

Presented by KPMG

Cailyn Sinclair

Vancouver, British Columbia

Presented by Mackenzie and William Sievert

Céline Zhang

Montreal, Quebec

Presented by Children First Canada

Clayton Yang

Toronto, Ontario

Presented by Mantella Corp.

Janessa Dumas Colomb

Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Manitoba

Presented by Children First Canada

Kamran Shukoor

Calgary, Alberta

Presented by Deloitte

Megan Sooah Webster

Surrey, British Columbia

Presented by KPMG

Oluwafemi David Ojo-Abegunde

Saint John, New Brunswick

Presented by BMO

Santiago Proteau-Sanchez

Lévis, Quebec

Presented by Face Toronto

The Future is NOW! Awards 2026

Join us on October 16th, 2026, 11:30am – 1:30pm Eastern, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto for the Future is NOW! Awards—a powerful celebration of Canada’s youngest changemakers who are dedicated to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Come be part of this inspiring celebration of 10 outstanding young leaders from across the country who are courageously championing efforts to make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up through their leadership in areas such as reconciliation, climate action, and mental health.

Youth Summit

The Future is NOW! Youth Summit will bring together 50 extraordinary young changemakers from across Canada for half day of empowerment and connection. This dynamic summit will feature inspirational speakers, hands-on workshops, and collaborative discussions on the most pressing issues facing youth today, along with exclusive networking opportunities with leaders in various fields. Against the vibrant backdrop of this national milestone, the Youth Summit promises to be an unforgettable experience that equips young leaders with the tools, confidence, and support they need to amplify their impact.

Awards Ceremony

The excitement reaches new heights with an awards luncheon that begins with a dazzling red carpet entrance and an elegant cocktail reception, followed by a star-studded Future is NOW! Awards Ceremony—a glamorous event honouring Canada’s 10 most outstanding young leaders. Guests will be treated to fine dining, lively entertainment, and an inspiring ceremony that brings together business leaders, philanthropists, and the social elite, all gathered to celebrate and support the next generation of changemakers. This unforgettable event will shine a spotlight on the incredible potential of Canada’s young leaders.

Travel Arrangements

In partnership with Air Canada, Children First Canada is delighted to offer Future Is Now Awards attendees a discount on Air Canada flights to Toronto.
To use this discount, please proceed to aircanada.com and enter the code V9RBJJ41 in the Promotion Code Box.
 

Applicable Rules:

  • The booking is to be made to the city of Toronto (YYZ, YTZ)
  • The travel period begins Thursday, October 23, 2025 and ends Friday, November 07, 2025.
  • Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
  • For North America’ 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel’ 10% on standard fares & higher.

October 16, 11:30am-1:30pm, 2026
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Toronto, ON

Nominate a Changemaker

Do you know a young leader who’s driving positive change and deserves to be recognized on the national stage? We invite you to nominate them for this prestigious award! Nominees must be under 18 and actively working to improve their communities and defend the rights of children across Canada.

Nominations are now closed

Please review this document to learn more about eligibility and how to nominate a youth.

Please upload the authorization document with the nomination form.

Nominations are now closed.

100% of Funds Raised Directly Impact Children and Youth

Every dollar raised through the Future is NOW! Awards will directly support children and youth across Canada, helping them achieve their full potential as leaders and changemakers. These funds provide vital resources such as leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and grants to accelerate youth-led initiatives on pressing issues facing young Canadians. Your support helps amplify the voices of young leaders, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to drive meaningful change in their communities and across the country.

Tickets and Tables

This dazzling event will be sure to sell out. Tickets and tables will go on sale this Spring. To reserve your table now, please contact: Jennifer Bassett: jbassett@bassettevents.ca

Sponsors and Donors

Trailblazer

Trendsetters

Changemakers

Mantella logo
Face logo white
Mantella logo
Face logo white
KPMG_logo
bmo logo white

Pathfinder

Accelerators