CHILDREN FIRST CANADA | LES ENFANTS D'ABORD CANADA

Youth deserve to participate in federal elections

Should Canadians have the right to vote at 16? Last week, Children First Canada (CFC) and MP Taylor Bachrach co-hosted a reception on Parliament Hill to explore this important topic. Attended by youth and parliamentarians alike, the event was held on the eve of the debate on Bill C-210, which would amend the Canada Elections Act to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in federal elections.

Mégane Jacques, a 17-year-old member of the Young Canadians' Parliament (YCP), passionately shared her views at the event. "If you have the capacity to make Bill C-210 a reality, please pave the way for us," she said in a speech. "The question is not only about denying our rights but about acknowledging our value in today's world."

In 2020, CFC led a national consultation in partnership with Wisdom2Action and Youth Central to better understand how young Canadians feel about lowering the voting age. Among the youth surveyed, 63% felt that politicians would pay more attention to the issues youth care about if they had the right to vote.

Last December, 13 young people – between 12 to 18 years old – filed an application at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to challenge the voting age in Canada. They argue that the Canada Elections Act, which prevents citizens under the age of 18 from voting in federal elections, violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is unconstitutional.

Click the button below for more details about the court challenge.

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Watch MP Taylor Bachrach's speech to launch the debate on Bill C-210. He ended his appeal by quoting YCP member Mégane Jacques.

Catalytic Investments in Kids: Reversing the Impacts of COVID-19

Join the conversation

On June 7 at 12 p.m. ET, Children First Canada is pleased to host a special high-level event to catalyze investments in children and youth in collaboration with the Coalition for a Better Future. The event aims to mobilize public and private sector resources to reverse the damaging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on kids.

When kids thrive, Canadians thrive.

Join us for this critical conversation that will unite corporate executives, federal officials and civil society leaders to drive systemic change.

Youth in Canada need an independent advocate

After engaging 500 young people from across Canada, Senator Rosemary Moodie recently launched A Look into Our Thoughts: A Collaborative Initiative on the Creation of a Commissioner for Canada's Children and Youth. The report found that 83% of young people surveyed were in favour of establishing a Commissioner for Children and Youth. Click the button below to access the full report.

Children & Youth in Care Day - #ForgetMeNot - Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies

Amplifying the voices of children and youth in care

May 14 is Children and Youth in Care Day! This year, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies has launched its #ForgetMeNot campaign to highlight the challenges and accomplishments of young people in the Ontario child welfare system. Help spread the word on social media this month!

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May is Asian Heritage Month!

This year, CFC is marking Asian Heritage Month by showcasing Asian Canadians who are working hard to combat anti-Asian racism in our nation. Follow us on social media throughout the month of May to learn more.
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How climate change affects children

Although climate change affects both children and adults, kids are more vulnerable to negative health effects. Read our latest blog to learn more about the risks and how young people are taking action.