Since 2017, the #CanadaWeWant Conference gathers hundreds of youth aged 14-25, in Nobleton, Ontario. The annual event is focused on developing youth leadership in youth populations seeking equity and helping young people think about and design the kind of Canada they want.

The conference gives a platform for young people's voices on the issues that affect them so that they are heard by their peers and policymakers. Each year, youth delegates explore what it means to be a Canadian through the lenses of truth, reconciliation, diversity, inclusion and sustainability. The forum features small group discussions and large plenary sessions, decision-making processes, keynote addresses, sharing circles and action-planning sessions. Youth explore topics in-depth and produce a report capturing their conversation on these topics as well as a presentation with recommendations for policy-makers and decision makers. They also contribute and engage in products such as videos, photos and social media campaigns. The final day is a trip to Toronto for the Showcase event, a formal presentation to policy-makers, business representatives, sponsors, and senior leadership from the youth sector.

Below, you will find a summary of past conferences. Stay tuned, our next conference will take place from February 27, 2025 to March 4, 2025!