November 20 is National Child Day in Canada.

There are 8 million kids in Canada, and they all have something in common—their rights!

National Child Day 2024

Join us on November 20th, 2024, for National Child Day as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child!

This year’s theme, #8MillionEmpowered, highlights our collective goal to empower all 8 million kids in Canada by defending their rights and ensuring they have the support to thrive. Children and youth are not merely future dreamers, but present-day innovators, leaders and changemakers. They are setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive Canada with compassion, courage and conviction. Empowered young people can make a difference now, not just someday.

National Child Day is a time to honour Canada’s commitment to children’s rights, as part of the global World Children’s Day movement. Last year, nearly 40,000 students and 250+ schools participated, making it the largest youth event in Canadian history!

Sign up your classroom, school, or organization to join this year’s event, explore our Activity Guide for fun ways to get ready, and join our fundraising challenge to win great prizes.

Let’s make history again and empower the next generation together!

#8MillionEmpowered

Children and youth are not merely future dreamers, but present-day innovators, visionaries, and leaders. They are setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive Canada with compassion and consideration. Empowered young people have the ability to make a difference now, not just someday.

Promoting Reconciliation

This National Child Day, we are recognizing the unique rights
of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children – honouring
the past, acknowledging the present, and
igniting hope for the future. Check out
these great youth-led organizations that
are making a difference.

Share Your Event

Hosting an event for National Child Day? We want to hear about it! Submit your event and it will appear on our interactive map.

Show Your Support for Kids

When you buy our National Child Day T-shirt, 100% of the profits go towards Children First Canada’s programs to advocate for kids. Every child has the right to achieve their full potential!

Speaking up for Children’s Rights

How an Ottawa woman played a key role in establishing the first National Child Day in 1993.

Did You Know?

There are 4 groups of rights for children:

Survival
rights

Development rights

Protection
rights

Participation
rights

These groups of rights come from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Click here for a child-friendly version of the UNCRC.