Measurably improving the health and well-being of children, youth and families in Canada. Together.
Why are we here?
The UNICEF 2020 Report Card tells us that Canada ranks among the countries with the strongest economic, environmental, and social conditions for growing up, but the poorest health and well-being outcomes for children. Existing inequities have worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must do better.
What are we doing?
Working in collaboration with passionate stakeholders, we are facilitating a series of conversations to co-design a framework to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and families in Canada. This cross-sector framework will inform research priorities, advance innovation in health service delivery and training, and support policies to improve health and well-being.
Who's involved?
We believe in collaboration and partnership. We know that children’s health is a sensitive indicator of broad conditions and policies. If you are part of an organization serving children, youth and/or families, we welcome your participation. There will be many ways for anyone with an interest in the health and well-being of children, youth and families to engage: including the children, youth and families themselves! If you don’t hear from us soon, please reach out to us here.
What is the desired outcome?
The outcome is a bold but achievable framework that harnesses national energy and resources to measurably improve health and well-being for children, youth and families. Our vision is that stakeholders across the country will use this framework as a roadmap to implement actions within their own organizations and communities.
With respect to measures of children’s mental and physical health, education, and social well-being, Canada currently ranks 30th of 38 wealthy countries.
- UNICEF Report Card 16
We know that Canada has the talent and resources necessary to measurably improve health and well-being outcomes for our eight million children and youth.
The time is now. #WeCANforKids
FEATURED
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
UNICEF 2020 Report Card 16: Worlds Apart
Canada ranks among the countries with the strongest economic, environmental and social conditions for growing up, but the poorest health and well-being outcomes for children. Existing inequities have worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must do better.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Children First Canada’s Raising Canada 2020 Report
Reveals the Top 10 Threats to Childhood and the Impact of COVID-19.
EDITORIAL
Award-winning journalist André Picard: Canada needs a vision for child health
In short, we don’t have a vision. We don’t have a commitment, at the societal level, to raising healthy kids. Canada signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.