There’s a moment that happens early in Forum when the room shifts. Nervous introductions become real conversation, curiosity replaces hesitation, and young people from across the country begin to realize that, despite their different backgrounds and perspectives, they are united by the same question: how can we help create a better future for Canada?
Over February and March, The Rideau Hall Foundation’s Forum for Young Canadians brought together three, week-long cohorts of young people to learn, reflect, and connect.
Each cohort experienced Forum in its own way, but all three shared a growing sense of belonging, confidence, and possibility.
Forum brings young people into the heart of Canada’s civic life. It frames democracy as something living and human, shaped by the people who show up, and reminds young Canadians that they have a voice, and a responsibility in shaping the country they share.
Over the course of each immersive week, participants walked the halls of the democratic institutions many had only encountered from afar. Standing in those spaces and hearing from the people who fill those seats sparked reflection and, for many, a quiet shift in perspective. What once felt distant or abstract suddenly felt real and reachable.
“We didn’t just talk about leadership, we questioned it. We analyzed how our democracy functions, where youth voices fit within it, and how we can actively contribute to strengthening civic participation across the country. This experience will forever be engraved in my memory. It strengthened my commitment to civic engagement and affirmed my identity as a proud bilingual Canadian committed to thoughtful, inclusive leadership.” — Blessing Williams, 2026 participant
Forum came alive most vividly through shared experience. Participants formed political parties, debated ideas, navigated an election and federal budget simulation, and made tough choices together. These moments were energetic, challenging, and collaborative. Participants learned that leadership is about listening, engaging respectfully, and making space for different perspectives, not about having all the answers.
Forum is intentionally designed to bring together young people with a wide range of identities, lived experiences, and viewpoints. Over the span of just one week, conversations deepened, curiosity turned differences into points of connection and strangers became friends.
“[Forum] was an incredible and irreplaceable experience. It was refreshing to meet young passionate Canadians fighting for changes in their communities from coast to coast. Seeing such a large diverse group with varying ideas and perspectives come together and share in a beautiful learning experience gave me hope for Canada’s future.” — Carter Mochinski, 2026 participant
Across all three cohorts, participants grew more confident in speaking up and more thoughtful in how they listened. Participants carried home inspiration and new ideas, ready to test them in conversations far beyond Forum.
Many left with a clearer sense of their own values, and a renewed commitment to stay involved in their schools, their communities, and civic life.
“This program truly opened my eyes. I am eternally grateful of the friends I made, the influential leaders I got to meet, and the lessons I learned along the way. The experiences, connections, and lessons I learned here will stay with me for the rest of my life.” — Shreeya Shenoy, 2026 participant
For five decades, Forum has shown what’s possible when young people are trusted, challenged, empowered, and immersed in civic life. The 300 participants from 2026 now carry that legacy forward, leaving with stronger connections, deeper confidence, and a clear sense that their voices belong in shaping Canada’s future.
Thanks to our donors and funders:
The Rideau Hall Foundation extends our sincere thanks to the donors and funders whose generosity helped bring this experience to life. Thank you to The Taylor Family Foundation, Donald K. Johnson, O.C., The Barrett Family Foundation, The McCall MacBain Foundation, the Government of Canada, and Tim and Frances Price. Because of their support, youth from across the country were able to come together to form meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and learn in ways that will stay with them long after Forum’s end.
