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.”
🚨New Research Puts a Multi-Billion Price Tag on Failure to Improve Children’s Health in Canada!
The key findings are staggering:
During the recent pediatric crisis, mothers with children under 12 experienced the greatest loss in productivity due to caregiving for their sick children. It amounted to an economic loss to the Canadian economy of nearly $50 million for mothers and over $13 million for fathers – a staggering combined cost of more than $60 million for the Canadian economy in just the fall of 2022 alone.
60% of Canadians have experienced some form of child abuse, costing an estimated $23 billion annually in court, healthcare and social services costs and long-term effects on earnings;
Childhood obesity affects one in three kids, resulting in up to $22 billion per year in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs;
Bullying affects one in five kids, costing up to $4 billion per year.
Children account for 25.4% of the total First Nations, Métis and Inuit population yet investments to meet their needs and protect their rights still drastically lag.
Between 2017 and 2020, provincial and territorial healthcare spending revealed an imbalance in resource allocation, with children and adolescents receiving $80 billion, only 11.5% of total health expenditures, while older adults received $311 billion or 44.5%.
Read the full report, and recommendations to take ACTION: https://childrenfirstcanada.org/featured/new-research-puts-a-multi-billion-price-tag-on-failure-to-improve-childrenshealth-in-canada/
Link also in Bio.
#ChildrenFirst #RaisingCanada #CdnPoli #Tripledmic #CdnHealth
@CHEO @iwkhealth @ucalgary @uoft @vivicresearch @sickkidstoronto @hollandbloorview @sandboxcanada @camhnews @unicefcanada @theycrh
Check out this opportunity to have your voice heard!
#ChildrenFirst
If you can't live with your parents, you have the right to be protected. It's your right. Adults who have responsibilty for you, have to make sure you are safe.
#ChildrenFirst #UNCRC
This summer, Minister Gould will be in NYC reporting to the United Nations about how Canada is working to address the Social Development Goals. She'll now be taking with her the voices of Gulia, Josephine, Jayden, Emre, Sheila, Krish and Godwin, youth who are members of the Young Canadians' Parliament and CFC's Youth Advisory Council!
These youth from across Canada met with the Minister this week to share what they believe Canada is achieving well, and where we need urgent action. There is a lot of work to do for mental health services, clean water, justice for child abuse, inflation and affordability, and basic access to food and school supplies.
When children thrive, Canada thrives.
#ChildrenFirst #UN #SDGs @karinagould
All kids have the right to non-discrimination. This week is a time to celebrate the contributions and leadership of kids with disabilities, work to remove barriers and reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more inclusive Canada!
Ask yourself: how can I champion accessibility and inclusion in my everyday life for all kids in Canada?
#ChildrenFirst #NAAW2023
Do you inspire others to take ACTION? Apply NOW for CFC's Youth Advisory Council. Be a national voice for Children's Rights. Deadline is June 1!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDkUfHeb2W1wEZgAzQjXWnR5u1K2EeYBZ9tT2W9fuYzzHOUw/viewform
#ChildrenFirst #Advocay #ChildrensRights #CdnPoli
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.
