The Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) is a growing movement of young people under 18 who are standing up for their rights – even at the highest levels of government.
Launched in 2020, the YCP program educates young people about their rights and Canada’s democratic system. Children and youth also learn how to advocate for themselves and others in their community.
Together, young people are speaking up on the issues that matter most to their generation.
Anyone under the age of 18 who resides in Canada is welcome to apply for the YCP program.
For more information, see the YCP Info Sheet:
Check out the 2022-2023 youth report HERE!
Do you want to speak up about the issues that matter most to your generation? Join the Young Canadians’ Parliament!
We’re busy planning a great 2-day experience for youth 12-18 in Canada who are seeking to accelerate social impact. Register now!
Speak up for your rights! You have the chance to be featured across Canada. Submit a video to our Child Rights Video Contest.
Apply by June 6!
“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…”
“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.”
Stephen Mensah serves as the Executive Director of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, the city of Toronto’s official youth advocacy body, where he advocates on behalf of Toronto's over 600,000 youth.
Stephen has championed initiatives that have impacted Ontario’s 2 million students such as pushing for free menstrual products, addressing anit-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, and taking proactive measures to deal with the rising youth mental health crisis, and so much more!
Register your class, club and individual students NOW to hear from Stephen and take ACTION on the issues that matter to them! Spaces are limited -
https://childrenfirstcanada.org/featured/advocacy-summit-2023/
#ChildrenFirst #Advocacy #AntiRacism #MentalHealth #PeriodPoverty
@toyouthcabinet @stephenmensah_ @amnestycanada @jackdotorg @jackchapters @leadnowca
Budget 2023 has been released. While it delivers promises on healthcare and dental supports, and has a focus on clean economy, children & youth are not receiving the catalytic investment & strategy needed to support their development. #ChildrenFirst #CdnPoli #Budget2023 @justintrudeau @cafreeland @marciien @karinagould
Read our response here: https://childrenfirstcanada.org/featured/children-first-canada-responds-to-federal-budget/
👀's and 👂's on Ottawa: How will children and youth in 🇨🇦 be prioritized? Urgent leadership, investments, and data-based strategies are needed to get us closer to the goal of Canada being the best place in the world for kids to grow up!
#ChildrenFirst #CdnPoli #Budget2023
No one can abduct you. No kid in Canada can be removed from the country against their will. Every adult as the responsibility to protect children and youth from kidnapping.
#ChildrenFirst #UNCRC #HumanRights #ChildrensRights
Today is a time to reflect on the importance of access to drinking water for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and youth in Canada. Learn more about the cultural importance of water from the Assembly of First Nations:
https://www.afn.ca/honoring-water/
#ChildrenFirst #UNWater @assemblyoffirstnations
Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The UN has observed this date since 1979, to call on action to combat racism and racial discrimination. Too many kids in Canada still experience injustice. Learn more on this history of this date -
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day
#ChildrenFirst #FIGHTracism #Standup4humanrights #ChildrensRights
Simi Sahota
YCP Participant
Rae Steeves
Climate Justice Activist and member of the Young Canadians’ Parliament
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.”
LEARN from other young activists, BUILD a campaign, PITCH your campaign. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to hone your advocacy skills and make a difference!
Do you want to speak up about the issues that matter most to your generation? Join the Young Canadians’ Parliament! Registration closes September 9. Apply now
Systemic racism prevents Black children in Canada from reaching their full potential. In her latest blog, CFC's founder and CEO, Sara Austin, explains why racism must be eradicated in order to achieve our vision of making Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up.
Want to learn what they are?
Check out this poster to find out!
If you want to learn more about your rights and access helpful resources, click “GO!” now.
We’ve put together a whole run-down about the YCP!
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.
