With Canada being the second largest diaspora of Ukrainians in the world, we know that the war in Ukraine is affecting many people, including Club youth and staff. We are of course disturbed by what we see and hear about the invasion, and it’s adding to the ongoing mental health toll.

Addressing the fears and worries of children and youth as they discuss their anxieties and fear about war and its possible impacts is important, even when we don’t have certainty about what may happen next. For many youth, this is the first time they have considered the possibilities of a broader war, including the threats of a nuclear power. It is a difficult time, but listening and being open remains one of our best tools of support.

Below we have compiled a few resources that can help parents, guardians, caregivers, and childcare staff talk with children about traumatic events.

• How to talk to children about the invasion of Ukraine, and why those conversations are important (from The Conversation)
• Talking to children about war (from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
• How to talk to your children about conflict and war (from UNICEF)
• With invasion of Ukraine, parents and educators face tough conversations with kids (from CBC)
• How to talk to children about the war in Ukraine (from The Tyee)
• How to talk with kids about war: Pointers for parents (from familyeducation.com)
• Understand why Russia is attacking Ukraine (from owlconnected.com)

Young people who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed or just need to talk can also contact Kids Help Phone by texting BGCHelp to 686868 to be connected with a crisis responder 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Along with other organizations and people across the country, BGC Canada is commemorating the tenth year of Have a Heart Day. Created by our friends at the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Have a Heart Day brings together all people in Canada to help ensure First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Have a Heart Day reminds everyone that First Nations children on reserve receive less funding from the federal government for education, child welfare, and health services than other children receive from the provinces and territories.

As a leading provider of quality child and youth programming, BGC Canada continues to support efforts to ensure First Nations children and youth do not encounter any barriers in accessing publicly funded health, social, and education programs, services, and supports. We demand that funding inequities be eliminated in alignment with Jordan’s Principle to ensure that First Nations children can access all public services in a way that is reflective of their distinct cultural needs, takes full account of the historical disadvantages linked to colonization, and without experiencing any service denials, delays, or disruptions because they are First Nations.

BGC Canada encourages all Canadians to send a Valentine’s Day card or letter to your elected official voicing your support of First Nations children, hosting an in-person or virtual Have A Heart Day event to raise awareness, or celebrating with any of the other activities developed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.

Find resources here: https://fncaringsociety.com/have-a-heart.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada supports the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner for Children and Youth in Canada. An independent commissioner would provide a nonpartisan and evidence-informed approach to improving the well-being of our children and youth and ensuring their rights are protected.

Boys and Girls Clubs provide programming for kids and teens in 775 communities across the country and together work to elevate youth voices in public policy decision-making. Over the last five months, we have seen massive disruptions in the lives of children and youth nationwide. It is vital that we have an independent commissioner who can advocate for young people affected by new issues, such as COVID-19, and ongoing issues in our country, including reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and ending systemic injustices.

As demonstrated in almost 60 countries around the world, an independent commissioner would shine a light on the impacts that federal policy decisions have on children and youth across Canada.

The need for a child and youth commissioner is especially relevant to support equity-seeking groups. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report calls on Canada to close the gaps in health and education outcomes for Indigenous peoples and address the over-representation of Indigenous young people in the child welfare and youth justice systems. The final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls calls for a child and youth commissioner. This office could also work to combat anti-Black racism and engage on child poverty, youth mental health and youth employment.

Boys and Girls Clubs serve children and youth from coast to coast to coast and advocate with them to improve federal policies and supports. Bill S-217 would ensure that young people, particularly our most vulnerable, have an independent voice at a federal level. The establishment of an Office of the Commissioner for Children and Youth in Canada will be a foundational policy approach to improve coordinated action on children and youth issues. Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada join with our Children First Canada Council of Champion colleagues in calling for the Senate to continue its progress on this important piece of legislation.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
As Canada’s largest child- and youth-serving organization, Boys and Girls Clubs provide vital programs and services to over 200,000 young people in 775 communities across Canada, and especially those from vulnerable communities. Our trained staff help young people build the confidence and sense of belonging they need to overcome barriers and form positive relationships, while reflecting the diversity of their communities. By delivering evidence-based, effective, and tailored programs, Clubs provide young people with the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their strengths, and realize positive outcomes in academics, physical activity, technology, self-expression, healthy living, mental health, and more.