Youth in the Age of AI: Why Canada Needs a Youth-Centered AI Policy Now

As a student growing up in a digital-first world, I’ve watched artificial intelligence evolve from a sci-fi concept to an everyday reality from personalized ads to AI-powered classroom tools. While these technologies once felt like magic, I’ve come to realize that as AI grows in influence, youth voices remain missing from the conversations shaping its future.

AI is transforming the way we live, learn, and work. Yet, Canada lacks a youth-focused approach to AI policy. If we don’t act now, we risk building a digital future that overlooks the realities, challenges, and aspirations of an entire generation.

-- Adil Mukhi, Founder of Dr. Interested

Read the full Op-ed
 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

  • Eighteen youth across Canada have received funding through the Scout Gear Adventure Fund, empowering them to access gear and experience transformative outdoor adventures. Learn more.

  • Applications are open for the Youth Advisory Council led by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Youth aged 13–17 are encouraged to apply and share their insights on privacy and technology. Apply here.

  • Youth ages 16–28 impacted by the stigma of parental substance use are invited to join the Youth Advocacy Council and shift the conversation from shame to rights via Starlings Community. Express interest here.

  • Flight #PS752 Commemorative Scholarship supports full-time post-secondary students with one year completed and one year remaining. Apply now.

 

YOUNG PEOPLE WINS!

  • Plan International Canada Tigresse Football Club in Benin is rewriting the rules for girls in sports. Led by Adankè, the team is breaking gender barriers on and off the pitch. #PlayforEquality

  • Shad Canada Indigenous youth awarded the Shad Entrance Scholarship are joining a national network of young leaders to share lived experiences and inspire innovation. Meet the scholars.

  • Jack.org Jack Talks speaker Frankie Lang encourages queer and questioning youth to take pride in their identities and find support through community and mental health advocacy.

  • Children First Canada Youth recently concluded the Being, Belonging, Becoming journey by presenting bold, youth-led solutions on child abuse, mental health, and systemic barriers. Their voices are shaping policy and the future.

  • Award Canada 20 students from GECDSB’s Enhanced Construction Program earned their Bronze Award, building confidence and career readiness in skilled trades. Read more.

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 

  • Call for Proposals: 2025 Canadian Mentoring Summit: Open to presenters (including youth or youth-focused practitioners) to submit 75-minute sessions for the national mentoring summit in Calgary (Nov 13 - 14). Deadline: July 4, 2025. 

  • ALIGN Well‑Being CoP: A Community of Practice gathering focused on well-being - highly relevant for agencies serving youth in community and mental health sectors. Deadline: July 11, 2025

  • SSHRC Connection Grants: Supports short-term knowledge mobilization events - great for youth-hosted conferences & workshops. Deadline: August 1, 2025

  • Indigenous Youth Roots Small Project Stream: Funding up to $15,000 for Indigenous youth-led community initiatives (ages 15–29). Deadline: August 7, 2025

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 

  • Students Commission of Canada – #BeforeYouMix Toolkit resources to educate 2SLGBTQ+ youth and young adults on informed, safer decisions around polysubstance use. Download toolkit here.

  • Sleep Health Equity Engagement Project (SHEEP) researchers are looking for participants from underrepresented communities to guide future sleep health research. Start survey here

  • United for Literacy offering free literacy, numeracy, and life skills programs for adults facing learning challenges. More info

  • Plan International Canada seeking young leaders working in health equity, resilience, or climate action. Apply now

  • Kids Help Phone available 24/7 for youth seeking support for mental health, academic stress, or everyday challenges. Contact here

 
 

Get Involved!

Stories from our Frontline Workers: A first-hand narrative about the program, the volunteers, and/or the frontline staff supporting young people directly. It can be written by a young person about their experience, a staff, a volunteer or another team member i.e. communications person, policy person, etc. Contact Parul to learn more.

 
 
 

NACY Welcome Meetings!

We’re interested in scheduling site visits with our member organizations. This is a great opportunity to connect in-person, introduce your team to NACY, share insights, and strengthen our community bonds.

Reach out to Parul at
communications@nacy.ca

 
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National Alliance for Children and Youth

www.nacy.ca

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