Chinazam Igwe
Moncton, New Brunswick
- The Together We Rise Award for Equitable Education and Opportunities
Presented by Children First Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick
Presented by Children First Canada
Peterborough, Ontario
Presented by Jumpstart
Toronto, Ontario
Presented by KPMG
Calgary, AB
Presented by Children First Canada
Surrey, B.C.
Presented by KPMG
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Presented by Rogers
St-Bruno de Montarville, Québec
Presented by Six by the Sea
Igloolik, Nunavut
Presented by Children First Canada
Calgary, AB
Presented by Anonymous Donor
Markham, Ontario
Presented by TELUS
Join us on May 13, 2025, at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto for the Future is NOW! Awards—a powerful celebration of Canada’s youngest changemakers dedicated to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. This impactful event brings together inspiring youth leaders from across the country who are championing efforts in areas such as reconciliation, climate action, and mental health.
The Future is NOW! Youth Summit will bring together extraordinary young changemakers from across Canada for a day of empowerment and connection. This dynamic summit will feature inspirational speakers, hands-on workshops, collaborative discussions on the most pressing issues facing youth today, and exclusive networking opportunities with leaders in various fields. Set against the vibrant backdrop of this national gathering, 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.
In the evening, the excitement reaches new heights with a dazzling red carpet entrance and a star-studded Future is NOW! Awards Ceremony—a glamorous night honoring 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 evening of achievement, elegance, and youth-led impact will shine a spotlight on the incredible potential of Canada’s young leaders.
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.
Nominate a Changemaker
Nominations for the 2025 Future is NOW! Awards open on November 20, 2024, and close on Friday, January 17, 2025. 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.
May 13, 2025
Park Hyatt Hotel
Toronto, ON
Nominate a Youth
Please review this document to learn more about eligibility and how to nominate a youth.
Please upload the authorization document with the nomination form.
More information
For more information about tables, tickets and sponsorship, please contact Jennifer Bassett: jbassett@bassettevents.ca
100% of funds raised help children and youth achieve their full potential as young leaders and changemakers.
May 7, 2024
Westin Harbour Castle
Toronto, ON
9am – 1pm
Young Changemaker Forum
6pm – 9pm
Reception & Awards Ceremony
Nominate a Youth
Please review this document to learn more about eligibility and how to nominate a youth.
Please upload the authorization document with the nomination form.
More information
For more information about tables, tickets and sponsorship, please contact: info@childrenfirstcanada.com
100% of funds raised help children and youth achieve their full potential as young leaders and changemakers.
Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Peter MacKay
Honourary Co-Chairs
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau
Honourary Patron
Omar Sachedina
Anchor of CTV National News
Hannah Flores the Poet
Canadian Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist
Emma Stevens
Mi’kmaq singer-songwriter
The Hon. Jenna Sudds
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners
Trailblazer
Changemakers
Pathfinders
Accelerators
Media partners
Leadership Cabinet and Jury Members
Alison Dalglish-Pottow (Chair of the Leadership Cabinet)
Andrea Chrysanthou, Owner & Principal, Amplify Communications (LC & Chair of the Board)
Valérie Picher, Strategic Communications, Public Affairs & Corporate Philanthropy (Chair of the Jury)
The Hon. Jim Munson, former Senator and Journalist (LC)
Scott Olsson, Partner, KPMG Private Enterprise (LC & Jury)
Lisa Lalande, CEO, Century Initiative (LC)
Stephen Uwazota, Director, Sustainable Finance, Scotiabank (LC)
Dr. Jamil Asaria, FACE Toronto (LC)
Arin Veerapen, Principal, Boyden (LC)
Christina Chow, Senior Portfolio Manger, Raymond James (LC)
Carey Newman, Indigenous artist, master carver, filmmaker, author (Jury)
Irwin Elman, O.C., Senior Fellow, Laidlaw Foundation (Jury)
Kelly Kasper, Canadian Tire Jumpstart (Jury)
Jayden Paquet Noiseux, Chair of Youth Advisory Council (Jury)
Rayn Asaria, Youth Advisor (LC & Jury)
Toney Bedell, Youth Advisor (LC & Jury)
Adelyn Newman-Ting, Youth Advisory (Jury)
Josephine Majarah, Youth Advisor (Jury)
Lisa Lalande, CEO, Century Initiative
Event Ambassador
Jay McCauley, Global Brand Ambassador, TELUS