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Written by Oliver, from discussions with Benji, Saige, Melodie, Monika and Rebekah.
Six members of the Young Caregiver Council of Canada traveled to Ottawa for the Canadian Caregiving Summit, hosted by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) on November 3-4, 2025.
For many of us, it felt like a milestone: one of the first times young caregivers were not only invited into a national conversation about caregiving, but acknowledged as leaders, experts, and partners in shaping the future of care in Canada.
Attending were Monika, Rebekah, Benji, Saige, Melodie, and Oliver, representing young caregivers from across the country.
Below are our reflections and highlights from the Summit.
Young Caregivers Navigate the Same Challenges as Adults
Young Caregivers Navigate the Same Challenges as Adults
One message we shared throughout the Summit was simple: young caregivers face the same challenges adults do, only with fewer resources, less authority, and far less recognition.
Managing appointments, navigating health systems, supporting loved ones through mental health crises, or taking on daily responsibilities does not become easier because you are young. It often becomes more complicated.
These realities came into sharp focus during conversations about the future. Young adults are already thinking about how to secure stable housing, mental health supports, and sustainable employment so they can care for the people closest to them. These are not abstract concerns. They shape the choices we have today, and the options we may have tomorrow.
"Affordable housing, mental health, and employment aren’t just youth issues. They are young caregiving issues.”
Naming these pressures helped policymakers understand why supports for young caregivers are not optional. They are necessary.
Young Carers on the Agenda!
Young Carers on the Agenda!
For the first time, young caregivers were centered in multiple parts of the Summit. Our experiences were treated as a normal and essential part of Canada’s caregiving landscape.
We were especially proud to see the Young Caregivers: Rights, Resources & Resilience panel take the main stage. And, every attendee received a print copy of Kare: The Magazine for Young Caregivers. Seeing it in hands across the room felt like a real moment of visibility for our community.
“Our stories are not small stories. They are part of the national care conversation.”
Still Underrepresented, but Hard to Ignore
Still Underrepresented, but Hard to Ignore
Even with this growing acknowledgement, it was clear how underrepresented young caregivers continue to be. We were noticeably younger than most attendees. At times, our caregiving roles were assumed to be “lighter” or “less serious” than those of adults.
We know this is not true. Young caregivers navigate responsibilities that are just as intensive, complex, and demanding. Instead of discouraging us, this experience strengthened our sense of purpose. It reminded us how urgently our perspectives are needed in national discussions about care.
A Seat at the Table
A Seat at the Table
A major highlight was attending the Parliamentary Reception and meeting Members of Parliament Leslie Church, Melissa Lantsman, and Anna Roberts.
When MP Leslie Church publicly recognized the Young Caregiver Council, saying “I am particularly happy to see the young people in this room,” it was a powerful moment.
We also met members of Canada’s Caregiving Caucus from across parties. There was agreement that young caregivers’ stories and perspectives should help shape the next era of health and social policy. And for good reason:
“We are the next generation of caregivers, and we already understand the realities that future systems must address.”
We left the reception with a clear message to share:
Young caregivers deserve a seat at the decision-making table. Not later. Now.
Celebrating Leadership and Advocacy
Celebrating Leadership and Advocacy
One of the most meaningful moments of the Summit was watching Rebekah Gold receive the Young Caregiver Advocate Award from CCCE Executive Director Liv Mendelsohn.
Beyond co-founding the Young Caregiver Council of Canada, Rebekah is a Research Affiliate with the Young Caregivers Association and is completing her PhD, focused on highlighting the stories and wisdom of young carers supporting parents through mental health crises. Much of her work centres on supporting young caregivers and their families. She has worked tirelessly, with a lot of heart, to bring young carers voices to the fore. She is a shining example of how to build empowering networks and effective grassroots organizing that recognizes youth as knowledge-holders.
Her receiving this recognition reflects something we believe deeply: young caregivers are not only participants in the care system, but emerging leaders whose lived expertise can strengthen policy, services, and communities when it is taken seriously.
A Growing Movement — and a Call for Inclusion
A Growing Movement — and a Call for Inclusion
Momentum for recognizing young caregivers is growing. More organizations, professionals, and policymakers now understand the realities we face, and the need for rights, resources, and representation.
We left the Summit encouraged by the growing support from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence and from members of the Caregiving Caucus, many of whom are championing the inclusion of young caregiver voices.
“Young caregivers are ready to contribute. What we need is to be included in the rooms where decisions are made.”
Our message is simple:
If Canada is rebuilding its care systems, young caregivers must be part of designing what comes next.
We are ready to participate, ready to collaborate, and ready to help shape a future where caregiving is supported and understood.
If you want to make a change in your workplace, contact us!
By the time Canada’s demographic shift accelerates and older adults make up a quarter of the population, it will be our generation caring for them.
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