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ABOUT US
ABOUT US
INSPIRING HEALTHY FUTURES
INSPIRING HEALTHY FUTURES
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Collaborative impact
Canadians want a future where every child, youth, and family thrives. Inspiring Healthy Futures sets the foundation to make children, youth and families a national priority, but we can't do it alone. We imagine a national child and youth hub to connect research, policy, systems, advocacy and services. A hub underpinned by a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary research ecosystem that enables us to understand and alleviate the needs of children, youth and families in Canada.
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Through engagement with diverse participants, four global themes were developed to guide our collective action.
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Interdependence. The health and well-being of children, youth and families rely on an interdependent web of factors. A piecemeal approach has not, and will not, work. Meaningful action needs to consider all of these elements in connected ways.
Equity. Children and youth in racialized, Indigenous and marginalized communities, gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ youth, and those with disabilities and complex medical conditions, are at severe disadvantage. Any initiative to improve health and well-being for children, youth and families in Canada must include fundamental principles of equity.
Collaboration. There is a great deal of knowledge, evidence and innovation underway in Canada, but it is challenging to share them and translate them into coordinated action. The community is eager for access to structures for collective action.
Participation. Young people and their families are willing and critical partners in designing and carrying out meaningful action.
Collective action
Against the backdrop of increased public awareness for child and youth health and well-being, and spurred by momentum on the initial agenda, the IHF community gathered in the Fall of 2023 to map progress against these themes and co-create recommendations for "Inspiring Healthy Futures 2.0". Seven high-level actions make up the second iteration of the acceleration agenda.
Collectively, it was agreed these are the changes most needed to enable transformative impact through 2024–2025. The seven actions that make up the second acceleration agenda advance and build on initial achievements, including federal progress on a National Child and Youth Strategy.
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​National Child and Youth Strategy: Co-developing a cohesive strategy that involves youth as decision-makers and prioritizes equity-deserving groups.
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Equitable Healthcare Access: Establishing a national commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare for all children and youth, regardless of their location.
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Sustainable Health Workforce: Creating innovative solutions to ensure a thriving health workforce that meets future needs.
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Integrated Research Ecosystem: Fostering a sustainable approach to research that informs health policies and improves outcomes.
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Climate Action: Prioritizing climate policies that protect the rights and well-being of children and youth.
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Indigenous Partnerships: Strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities to support community-defined health priorities.
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Community Hubs: Utilizing schools and community spaces to promote health and well-being.
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▶︎ Learn more about the Acceleration Agenda that guides our work.​
Getting involved
The time is now to make our vision a reality by working collaboratively with partners and governments from across Canada. Only together can we create the future our youth need and deserve. If you’re interested in the Inspiring Healthy Futures network, there are a few ways you can learn more and support us:
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▶︎ Read our vision for children, youth and families in Canada.
▶︎ Using the hashtag #WeCANForKids join the conversation on social channels.
▶︎ Reach out or subscribe to the Connexions Newsletter below.
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CONNEXIONS NEWSLETTER
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Connexions is a newsletter for people and organizations across the country working to make the well-being of children, youth and families a priority for Canada. Share and receive updates, make connections, and find opportunities to collaborate—all from your inbox.