Remember sitting in a classroom trying to get your teacher's attention?  

What did you do? You raised your hand.  

This federal election, UNICEF Canada is doing just that.  

We have an opportunity to stand up for millions of children in Canada and around the world by all candidates to prioritize children in electoral promises and platforms. 

We’re asking Canadians to #RaiseOurHands together and put children’s future on the ballot.

CHILDREN MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY THIS ELECTION  

We can’t talk about the future of Canada without talking about children. That’s why child well-being must be a top priority as Canada goes to the polls.   

Putting children first means championing bold policies that ensure every child is healthy, safe, and supported here in Canada and around the world. UNICEF Canada’s 2025 election policybook outlines the child-friendly policies every party should commit to, and you can help us take it to them. 
 

DID YOU KNOW? 

  • More than one-third of food bank users in Canada are children. (Food Banks Canada)
  • Close to 1.4 million children in Canada live in poverty. (Campaign 2000)
  • More than 45 per cent of children raised by single parents in Canada live in poverty, compared to roughly 10 per cent of children in coupled families. (Statistics Canada, CFLIM-AT)
  • Globally, a record-breaking 1 in 6 children are growing up in conflict and disaster. (UNICEF) 

FIVE WINS FOR KIDS

A better Canada and world start with a better childhood. While we have made undeniable progress for children in Canada and around the world, more work needs to be done to ensure a fair and happy childhood is every child’s reality. 

A country’s success depends on the well-being of its youngest citizens. As children thrive, economies grow, nations prosper, and a more sustainable and peaceful future is possible. 

Send a letter to your local candidates and let them know we need these five wins for kids to get there: 

✋ Build on existing family income supports like the Canada Child Benefit to ensure no child grows up in poverty.  

✋ Ensure every child in Canada can access healthy school meals by expanding on existing investments like the National School Food Program.   

✋ Establish a National Commissioner for Children to champion child rights and protect their well-being.   

✋ Guarantee adequate paid parental leave so every newborn has the care they need in the earliest days of childhood.   

✋ Affirm Canada as a world leader for child rights and well-being by leading strong development and humanitarian efforts.