Canadian youth invited to become Remembrance Champions through new Canada Remembers Challenge

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- As Veterans' Week begins, Canada is inviting a new generation to help carry remembrance forward.

Remembering Canada's Veterans and those who died or in uniform helps us understand how military service has contributed to protecting our rights, our democracy and Canada's sovereignty.

This Veterans' Week during a Youth Night at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, launched the new national Canada Remembers Challenge, alongside Veterans, youth and educators from Glebe and Lisgar Collegiate Institutes.

Inspired by a simple idea that remembrance is not inherited, but passed on, the Canada Remembers Challenge encourages young Canadians to learn about Veterans' experiences and honour their stories through art, writing, video creation, volunteering, community engagement, and other creative acts of remembrance.

Successful participants will become 2027 Remembrance Champions and may have the opportunity to serve as Remembrance Ambassadors at commemorative activities next year.

As a new generation learns about the people and events that shaped our country, the Canada Remembers Challenge offers an opportunity to connect with Veterans' stories in meaningful ways. By learning from the past, young Canadians can help ensure that the legacy of those who served is never forgotten.

Quote
"Behind every name on a memorial, every medal, and every photograph is a story worth knowing. The Canada Remembers Challenge is an invitation for young Canadians to discover those stories, share them with others, and help carry remembrance forward. Remembrance is not inherited. It is passed on. Through their creativity, curiosity, and commitment, young Canadians will help ensure the legacy of those who served continues to inspire future generations."

The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick facts:

• Every year, in the lead up to Remembrance Day, Canadians observe Veterans' Week from November 5-11. 
• From the World Wars to today's Canadian Armed Forces missions, Canadian Veterans have safeguarded peace and security at home and around the world. Their contributions continue to shape the freedoms, values and safety Canadians benefit from every day.
• The Canada Remembers Challenge invites youth aged 12 to 18 years old to actively participate in remembrance by exploring Veterans' experiences and reflecting on their sacrifices. 
• Youth are encouraged to complete a remembrance activity and apply by 4 December 2026 to become a Remembrance Champion.
• Remembrance activities—such as art, writing, video, volunteering or community engagement—completed between 1 January and 4 December 2026 count as submissions for the Challenge. School assignments and submissions to The Royal Canadian Legion national youth contests also count!

Associated links:

• Canada Remembers Challenge (easy steps to participate): infographic/poster 
• Veterans.gc.ca/RemembranceChallenge 
• Remembrance Day & Veterans' Week - Veterans Affairs Canada
• Learning resources  

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa