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What We Do

Young Canadians’ Parliament

What’s the YCP?

The Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) is a growing movement of young people under 18 who want to talk about the issues that matter most to their generation.

Through national online forums, children and youth share their views with parliamentarians and speak up for their rights.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to hold national virtual forums until in-person sessions in Parliament are safe to resume.

What do YCP members do?

  • Meet other kids and youth in Canada and join the YCP community
  • Share issues they care about with leaders in the Canadian government
  • Learn more ways to take action, get involved and make a difference!

YCP members work on advocacy plans with other young people. This requires approximately five hours per month (between June to December). This year’s kickoff was on June 12 and 13. They meet again in July, August, October and November. Through these meetings, they’ll create a final report with their advocacy plans to send to all government leaders in Canada.

Are you a teacher?

Read an overview of the YCP

Check out our reports

Stay tuned for details!

Apply by June 6!

Join the Movement!

Tired of waiting for change? You’re not alone. Young people across Canada are uniting as one voice to speak up for their rights at the highest levels of government. We’re stronger together. We need your voice!
Apply Now

Youth Spotlight

Kamil Kanji

“We have arrived at the place in time where the rights of children matter now more than ever. We are seeing a paradigm shift across the world in regards to the elevation of the voices of young people…”

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Rae Steeves

“I believe that standing up for what is right is the most valuable thing you can do with your life. As humans, we have a moral obligation to make the world a better place than it was before we came along, and I believe that it is my responsibility to stand up.”

More

Sagni Kuma

“When I think of YCP, I think: empowerment, education and advocacy. I think of a platform open to children and youth across this country. I think of a better future, one where all decision-making is done while taking the impacts on youth into great consideration.”

More

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Jun 20

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Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads and grandads out there who are supporting and advocating for kids! Thank you for putting #ChildrenFirst!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads and grandads out there who are supporting and advocating for kids!

Thank you for putting #ChildrenFirst! ...

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children1stca

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Jun 19

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Today on #Juneteenth, we remember and celebrate the emancipation of African-Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. This day also reminds us of the grave injustices that have happened throughout Canada’s history and that continue through systemic racism and discrimination. All people – no matter their race, ethnicity or any other status – should be protected from harm and live a life that is free from discrimination of any form. This year in particular, we've seen increased rates of racism and hate speech in our midst. Children First Canada stands in solidarity with the children and families that have suffered, and we remain committed to advocating against anti-Black racism and racism in all its forms.

Today on #Juneteenth, we remember and celebrate the emancipation of African-Americans who had been enslaved in the United States.

This day also reminds us of the grave injustices that have happened throughout Canada’s history and that continue through systemic racism and discrimination. All people – no matter their race, ethnicity or any other status – should be protected from harm and live a life that is free from discrimination of any form.

This year in particular, we've seen increased rates of racism and hate speech in our midst. Children First Canada stands in solidarity with the children and families that have suffered, and we remain committed to advocating against anti-Black racism and racism in all its forms. ...

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children1stca

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Jun 18

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There’s still time to participate in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge! This month, every $1 you donate enters us for a chance to win $20,000! The more you give, the more chances for us to win! Your donation will support our programs to advocate for the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada. Across the country, #COVID19 has led to devastating effects on the mental and physical health of kids. They deserve better. If Children First Canada wins the $20,000, we’ll be able to advocate for more children and youth during these uncertain times Donate at the link in our bio today! #GivingChallengeCA #ChildrenFirst #codePINK

There’s still time to participate in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge!
This month, every $1 you donate enters us for a chance to win $20,000! The more you give, the more chances for us to win!

Your donation will support our programs to advocate for the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada.

Across the country, #COVID19 has led to devastating effects on the mental and physical health of kids. They deserve better.

If Children First Canada wins the $20,000, we’ll be able to advocate for more children and youth during these uncertain times

Donate at the link in our bio today!

#GivingChallengeCA
#ChildrenFirst
#codePINK ...

6 0

children1stca

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Jun 16

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Did you know that 62% of parents say the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health challenges of at least one of their children? A new poll commissioned by Inspiring Healthy Futures and conducted by Abacus Data reveals stark results about the impacts of #COVID19 on children and families. Kids are in crisis. That’s why we’re calling for an emergency response and declaring #codePINK. Will you join us? Learn more at the link in our bio. #ChildrenFirst

Did you know that 62% of parents say the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health challenges of at least one of their children? A new poll commissioned by Inspiring Healthy Futures and conducted by Abacus Data reveals stark results about the impacts of #COVID19 on children and families.

Kids are in crisis. That’s why we’re calling for an emergency response and declaring #codePINK. Will you join us? Learn more at the link in our bio.

#ChildrenFirst ...

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children1stca

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Jun 15

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Nous avons organisé notre premier événement du Parlement des jeunes canadiens 🇨🇦 (PJC) 2021 le week-end dernier! Voici comment les membres du YCP ont répondu à notre sondage après avoir participé à l'événement de deux jours : 👉 91 % des membres du YCP se sentent plus en confiance pour faire entendre leur voix et s'exprimer sur les questions qui les concernent. 👉 98 % des membres du YCP ressentent un plus grand sentiment de connexion avec les jeunes à travers le Canada. 👉 94 % des membres du YCP se sentent comme des citoyens actifs et engagés au Canada. Grâce au YCP, les jeunes sont encouragés à défendre leurs droits ! Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie par le gouvernement du Canada et la Fondation Gail O'Brien. . . . . #YCP #PJC #Enfantsd'abord #Parlementjeunescanadiens #JeunesLeaders #JeunesaujourdhuiLeadersdemain #Autonomisationdesjeunes #Mouvementdesjeunes #Défensedesenfants #Leadersaujourdhui

Nous avons organisé notre premier événement du Parlement des jeunes canadiens 🇨🇦 (PJC) 2021 le week-end dernier! Voici comment les membres du YCP ont répondu à notre sondage après avoir participé à l'événement de deux jours :

👉 91 % des membres du YCP se sentent plus en confiance pour faire entendre leur voix et s'exprimer sur les questions qui les concernent.

👉 98 % des membres du YCP ressentent un plus grand sentiment de connexion avec les jeunes à travers le Canada.

👉 94 % des membres du YCP se sentent comme des citoyens actifs et engagés au Canada.

Grâce au YCP, les jeunes sont encouragés à défendre leurs droits !

Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie par le gouvernement du Canada et la Fondation Gail O'Brien.
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#YCP #PJC #Enfantsd'abord #Parlementjeunescanadiens #JeunesLeaders #JeunesaujourdhuiLeadersdemain #Autonomisationdesjeunes #Mouvementdesjeunes #Défensedesenfants #Leadersaujourdhui ...

11 0

children1stca

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Jun 15

Open
We held our first 2021 Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) event this past weekend 🇨🇦! Here's how YCP members responded to our survey after attending the two-day event: 👉 91% of YCP members feel more confident to raise their voice and speak on issues that matter to them. 👉 98% of YCP members feel a greater sense of connection to young people across Canada. 👉 94% of YCP members feel like an active and engaged citizen in Canada. Through the YCP, young people are being encouraged to advocate for their rights!  This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and the Gail O'Brien Foundation. . . . . #YCP #PJC #ChildrenFirst #YoungCanadiansParliament #YouthLeaders #TodaysYouthTomorrowsLeaders #YouthAdvocates #YouthEmpowerment #YouthMovement #ChildAdvocacy #LeadersToday

We held our first 2021 Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) event this past weekend 🇨🇦! Here's how YCP members responded to our survey after attending the two-day event:

👉 91% of YCP members feel more confident to raise their voice and speak on issues that matter to them.

👉 98% of YCP members feel a greater sense of connection to young people across Canada.

👉 94% of YCP members feel like an active and engaged citizen in Canada.

Through the YCP, young people are being encouraged to advocate for their rights! 

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and the Gail O'Brien Foundation.
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#YCP #PJC #ChildrenFirst #YoungCanadiansParliament #YouthLeaders #TodaysYouthTomorrowsLeaders #YouthAdvocates #YouthEmpowerment #YouthMovement #ChildAdvocacy #LeadersToday ...

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“I believe that standing up for what is right is the most valuable thing you can do with your life. As humans, we have a moral obligation to make the world a better place than it was before we came along, and I believe that it is my responsibility to stand up.”

Rae Steeves

Climate Justice Activist and member of the Young Canadians’ Parliament

“When I think of YCP, I think: empowerment, education and advocacy. I think of a platform open to children and youth across this country. I think of a better future, one where all decision-making is done while taking the impacts on youth into great consideration.”

Sagni Kuma

Youth Ambassador, Children First Canada

YCP Participant

“I enjoyed meeting new people from across Canada, I enjoyed learning to facilitate and how technology worked. I loved speaking up to parliamentarians and having them listen. I really enjoyed meeting people with the same attitude and energy about changing the world.”

Watch

Watch More Videos

Check out this CBC Kids News Story about the YCP!

Read More

Learn More

YCP Member Speaks Up About Climate Change

Abigail Steeves is a 14-year-old climate justice activist based in Halifax, N.S. She is also a member of the Young Canadians’ Parliament – an initiative to amplify the voice of children and youth at the highest levels of government.

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Reports

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Did you know that you have rights?

Want to learn what they are?
Check out this poster to find out!

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Find more great stuff!

If you want to learn more about your rights and access helpful resources, click “GO!” now.

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Still have questions?

We’ve put together a whole run-down about the YCP!

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Children Are Citizens with Rights!

The Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) is led by Children First Canada’s Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Council. It is built from a rights-based approach, and one of the central tenets involves teaching children their rights and supporting their participation in decisions that affect their lives. The YCP is open to children and youth in Canada under the age of 18, and involves participants that represent the rich diversity of Canadian society. This project has been made possible in part by the Canadian Red Cross, Government of Canada, Gail O’Brien, TELUS, IG Wealth Management, and #RisingYouth, a program of TakingITGlobal. Special thanks to our partner, Wisdom2Action.

Sponsors & Content Partners

Gail O'Brien

Foundation

Amelia Penney-Crocker

Rae Steeves

Rana Nasrazadani

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Contact

1(877) 837-2258
info@childrenfirstcanada.com

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Children First Canada is a national organization with staff located in Ottawa, Calgary, Toronto and Halifax. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on: the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg; the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta; the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat, and home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis – covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands; and the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, Mi’kma’ki.