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2025 Federal Election

Canada’s 45th federal election is now underway.
What does this mean for our 8 million children and youth?

While there are many substantive concerns competing for party leaders’ time and attention, healthcare still figures prominently in polling exploring the most pressing issues for Canadians. The healthcare systems serving children, youth and families in Canada are undersized to meet needs of a growing and increasingly medically complex population. As a result, there are measurable human and financial costs accruing that must be a focus of any future leader of this country.

Polling conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Children’s Healthcare Canada consistently demonstrates that improving access to healthcare services for children and youth is an important priority for all Canadians, not just parents. In 2023, 92% of Canadians agreed we need to improve Canada’s healthcare system to better meet the needs of children and youth in Canada (95% among parents). Over a third of parents lack confidence in the healthcare system’s ability to provide children’s healthcare medicine and products (39%), and half of parents aren’t confident they can access timely emergency care (47%) or have timely access to mental health care for their children (48%).

A Call to Action: Building Stronger Healthcare Systems for Canada's Children and Youth

The 2025 federal election is a pivotal opportunity to address the urgent challenges facing children’s healthcare systems across the country. Children’s Healthcare Canada calls on all political parties to undertake meaningful action:

A Plan for Kids in Canada

A coordinated, cross-jurisdictional approach to setting clear priorities, investments, and measurable outcomes to improve children’s health. This strategy should be led by a Chief Children’s Officer within the Ministry of Health to accountability and progress.

Learn More

Financing for Children's Health

A long-term, ring-fenced funding commitment to support children’s healthcare services across the continuum of care, improve access to healthcare information, and facilitate innovative child health research.

Learn More

Support for Families and Kids

Mitigate the impact of tariffs and inflation on families’ financial and mental health.

Learn More

While kids can’t vote, we can.

Now is the time for swift action. Addressing gaps in child health systems across the country is essential to promoting the well-being of children and youth and ensuring a healthier future for the nation. Use the information and resources below to advocate for stronger healthcare systems for children and youth in Canada.

Child Health
Priorities Survey Take
Action! Platform Analysis
(Coming Soon) Partner
Resources View our
News Release

Child Health Priorities Survey

Children’s Healthcare Canada is seeking insights from all federal political parties on their commitment to advancing the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada. These responses will help inform families, healthcare professionals, and child health advocates about your party’s vision and policies.

View Survey

^{Responses and analysis to be posted mid-April.}

Take Action!

Canada’s children’s health systems are at a breaking point. Waitlists are growing, hospitals are overwhelmed, and children are waiting too long for care.Together, we can help shape a future where every child in Canada has access to the healthcare they deserve.

Let’s ensure child and youth health is a key priority in Election 2025. Here’s how you can take action:

Share and Spread the Word

Be a voice for kids! Share our policy priorities, social media messages and graphics and start a conversation. Join the call for action to right-size children’s healthcare with #WeCANforKids.

Download the social toolkit

Engage with your Local Candidates

Make sure to find out who is running to be your local Member of Parliament and start building relationships with them. Your candidates need to hear your voice on children’s health in influencing their policy platforms and ensuring children’s health is a top priority in the election.

How to find the candidates in your area

Go to Election Canada’s website and type in your postal code to get a list of candidates and which party they represent.
Engage with candidates and share why children’s health is important:

✅Send them an email
✅Call their campaign office
✅Attend local election events and connect with candidates

Demand Action for Kids’ Health

We’ve developed key questions to ask local candidates and push for stronger healthcare systems that serve our youngest citizens.

Questions for Candidates:

As a nation, Canada has underinvested in children’s health (1.68% of GDP) in comparison to peer nations who spend up to 3.68% of their GDP on policies and programs related to children. Will your party commit to new investments to measurably improve the health and wellbeing of Canada's kids?

If we improve the health of children, we improve the health of Canada. What programs and services will your party prioritize to improve the health and wellbeing of children, youth and families living in Canada?

What additional measures will your party implement to rapidly expand and improve access to mental health services for children and youth?

How will your government ensure families receive adequate financial support to safeguard children's health and wellbeing during periods of economic instability?

Vote for Kids’ Health

Elections shape our healthcare system. Research party platforms, ask where candidates stand on children’s health, and vote for a party that commits to ensuring every child has access to the care they need.