Forum for Young Canadians is a week-long, in-person experience in Ottawa for youth aged 15 to 18. Through immersive learning experiences, Forum helps young people understand how decisions are made, engage with national leaders, build practical skills and see the role they can play in their communities and in Canada’s civic life.
Over three weeks in February, March and April 2027, 300 young people from across Canada will have the opportunity to explore how decisions are made, meet Senators, Members of Parliament and other national leaders, and build the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities.
Applications for Forum 2027 close October 25, 2026. Apply online.
Forum 2027 is open to youth in Canada aged 15 to 18. You don’t need previous experience in politics—Forum is designed for young people who are curious, ready to learn and interested in contributing to their communities.
Submit your application online and tell us more about yourself, your experiences and your interest in participating in Forum.
Applications are reviewed to help create diverse, well-rounded cohorts of young people from across the country.
For five decades, Forum has given young people opportunities to experience Canadian democracy, meet people with different perspectives and discover new ways to participate in civic life.
young people have participated
years of inspiring youth
young people participate in Forum each year
Explore stories from Forum participants and alumni and discover how the experience has influenced their leadership, learning and involvement in their communities.
After three years of relative isolation, my summer of 2023 was epic. I saw Canada by going to McGill University through SHAD Canada and then to Halifax, Nova…
It speaks about Canada’s climate action, how we have not yet met our goals and possible solutions for the future. Canada’s climate change action [image transcript] Canada has…
With a background of colours as diverse as the country, the image contains photos that illustrate Canada’s multiculturalism. The voting symbols near Ottawa represent law and freedom. Being…
For more than 50 years, Forum has connected young people from across Canada. Were you part of Forum? We’d love to hear from you! Share your memories, reflections and how the experience shaped you.
Have photos to share? Post them on social media and tag @rhf.frh and @forum4yc so we can celebrate your stories.
Forum’s research and resources bring together insights, recommendations and perspectives on youth civic engagement and the evolving ways young people participate in Canadian democracy.
Insights from engagement and consultation on the future of Forum and youth civic participation.
Research and recommendations to help inform the evolution of Forum programming.
Developed with the Samara Centre for Democracy, this report examines the generational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth democratic engagement and opportunities to strengthen civic participation.
The Forum for Young Canadians National Summit is open to youth in Canada aged 15 to 18 on the first day Forum starts.
No previous experience is required. Forum is designed for young people who are curious, ready to learn and interested in contributing to their communities.
Forum takes place in Ottawa, Ontario.
Explore Canada’s democracy through immersive learning, meet national leaders, build practical skills and connect with young people from across the country.
February 7–12, February 28 – March 5, and April 18–23, 2027.
Applications for Forum 2027 close October 25, 2026.
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