Family Day

10/12/2026

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” reminds us of the importance of listening — truly listening — to the experiences of others.

Every person’s experience with mental health is different. By creating spaces where people feel heard, respected and supported, we can help build stronger, more caring and inclusive communities.

10/09/2026

An award-winning poet, journalist, educator, and advocate, El Jones has used her voice to challenge injustice and encourage Canadians to think more deeply about issues of racism, inequality, and human rights. Through her writing, teaching, and community work, she continues to inspire important conversations about what a more equitable society can look like.

El Jones reminds us that words can do more than tell stories—they can challenge assumptions, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire change.

Learn more: https://cfe.torontomu.ca/people/el-jones

El Jones is a poet, journalist, professor, and abolitionist living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was the 5th Poet Laureate of Halifax and a 2015 resident of the International Writing Program at University of Iowa. El was the poet in residence at U of T Scarborough in 2021. She won 2 Atlantic Journali...

10/07/2026

The HCCAO 2026 Annual Conference is coming up! From October 21–23, early learning and child care professionals from across Ontario will come together in Toronto to connect, learn and share ideas about the future of licensed home child care.

This year’s theme, Thriving Together: Empowering Licensed Home Child Care for the Future, celebrates the important role licensed home child care plays in supporting children, families and communities across Ontario.

We’re looking forward to three days of learning, conversation and connection!

Learn more about the conference and registration: https://hccao.com/conference/

10/05/2026

Last week, we were delighted to welcome the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, to Family Day’s 175th Anniversary Celebration!

We were honoured that Minister Hajdu joined us to mark this special milestone and grateful for the thoughtful and inspiring words she shared with our staff and guests.

Thank you, Minister Hajdu, for celebrating 175 years of Family Day with us and helping make the occasion even more memorable.

10/02/2026

In recognition of Women’s Month in Canada, and as part of our series, this month we’re highlighting Black Canadian women whose lives and legacies have shaped history, culture, and community in this country. We begin with Lulu Jane Anderson.

Viola Desmond is often called “Canada’s Rosa Parks” for challenging racial segregation at a Nova Scotian cinema in 1946. But have you heard of Lulu Anderson? In 1922, Lulu Anderson was denied entry to Edmonton’s Metropolitan Theatre despite holding a valid ticket. At a time when anti-Black racism was both widespread and largely unchallenged in Canadian public life, she chose to take her case to court.

While her legal challenge did not overturn segregation, her decision to pursue justice remains a powerful early example of resistance to racial discrimination in Canada.

Lulu Anderson’s story is an important reminder that the fight against segregation and inequality did not begin with the cases most commonly remembered today—it was carried forward by many individuals whose names deserve to be better known.

Learn more about her inspiring story: https://tinyurl.com/caa5aj2z

09/30/2026

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Today, we honour the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities. Reconciliation requires more than remembrance. It asks us to listen, to learn, to reflect on the continuing impacts of residential schools and colonialism, and to carry that learning forward in the work we do with children, families and communities.

Today, and every day, we listen, we learn and we remember.

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

09/29/2026

Today, Family Day child care centres, before & after school programs, EarlyON programs, and head office are closed as our staff come together for a special agency-wide day of professional learning in recognition of Family Day’s 175th Anniversary.

Today is an opportunity to learn together, connect with one another and celebrate 175 years of caring for children, families and communities.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow!