Calgary, AB – November 19, 2024 – Children First Canada is excited to announce the upcoming National Child Day event, taking place tomorrow on November 20, 2024. This year marks the 35 th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The event’s theme, #8MillionEmpowered, will showcase incredible speakers, performers, and empowering activities aimed at educating young people
about their rights, inspiring them to take action, and celebrating the changemakers of today and tomorrow.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- Time: Events will be held from 9 am to 4 pm ET
- Where: Across Canada, with various activities and online events
- Who: Tens of thousands of students across Canada are expected to participate, alongside educators, Parliamentarians, and community leaders. 2023 marked the largest youth event in Canada’s history with almost 40,000 students attending.
- More Information: Visit www.nationalchildday.org/events/ for event details.
Featured Speakers and Performers
- Her Excellency the Right Hon. Mary Simon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Jenna Sudds will speak about Canada’s commitment to uphold children’s rights through new initiatives like the National School Food Program.
- Sara Austin, Founder and CEO of Children First Canada, will share how young people like you can be the change-makers our world needs, and why kids deserve to have their voices heard at every table.
- Kim Spencer, award-winning Indigenous author of Weird Rules to Follow, will talk about embracing your uniqueness, standing up for your rights, and using your voice to create positive change.
- Dawn Wilson Richardson, Olympian and powerhouse advocate, will inspire you with her story of resilience, and discuss the role that youth can play in combatting racism and building a more inclusive Canada.
- Raffi, the beloved children’s entertainer, will lead a sing-along to remind us all how important it is to create a world where every child feels heard, valued, and loved.
- Jeremy and Jazzy, kids’ favorite performers, will bring joy and laughter, showing us how kids can do anything they set their minds to!
Throughout the event, participants will hear from youth leaders who are already making a significant impact in their communities, reinforcing the message of #8MillionEmpowered: every child has the potential to shape the world around them.
The event comes just weeks after Children First Canada released its seventh annual Raising Canada report, which concluded that the state of childhood in Canada has reached a breaking point. Canada ranks 66th on the global Kids Rights Index, and the top 10 threats to childhood are escalating, with children’s quality of life in Canada demonstrably worsening.
Launching the Future is NOW Awards 2025
In alignment with this year’s theme, Children First Canada is also thrilled to announce the launch of the nominations for the Future is NOW! Awards 2025 during National Child Day. These prestigious awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of young Canadians who are making a difference in their communities. The awards focus on youth who are actively working to create positive change through leadership, advocacy, and innovation, with an emphasis on the importance of empowering youth to lead today.
Nominations will be open from November 20, 2024, to January 17, 2025. This is an opportunity for Canadians to nominate young leaders who have made a significant impact in defending children’s rights in areas such as mental health, climate change, combatting bullying, and more.
Why National Child Day is SO Important
National Child Day isn’t just a celebration – it’s a movement! It’s a chance to remind everyone that children’s voices matter and that we ALL have the power to shape the future. Whether you’re in kindergarten, elementary school, high school, or just someone who cares about kids, this day is about inspiring action to protect the rights of every child.
“We believe that when kids know their rights and are given the tools to lead, there’s no limit to what they can achieve,” said Sara L. Austin, Founder and CEO of Children First Canada. “This year, we’re giving kids the platform they need to learn, speak out, and be inspired to create positive change in their schools, communities, and beyond. It’s all about #8MillionEmpowered – empowering every child to be a leader today!”
For more information or to coordinate an interview with Children First Canada’s Sara Austin or youth advocates, please contact:
Andrea Chrysanthou, APR
achrysanthou@childrenfirstcanada.com
416-797-8194
Children First Canada
Children First Canada is a national charitable organization working to make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up. We’re dedicated to raising awareness of children’s rights, empowering youth, and advocating for policies that prioritize kids’ well-being. Through initiatives like National Child Day and the Future is NOW Awards, we are helping to create a future where children and youth have the power to lead, thrive, and make a lasting impact.