Despite being one of the world’s wealthiest countries, Canada faced alarming child welfare statistics: high poverty levels, elevated teen suicide rates, and pervasive bullying. UNICEF wants to break national complacency by confronting Canadians with these uncomfortable truths and urging them to take collective responsibility for change.

Create a national intervention under the theme “Canada, we need to talk.”
A collective of celebrated Canadians, from entertainment, sports, and culture, would speak directly to the nation, holding an honest conversation about where Canada is failing its youth. By using a subjective, first-person perspective (“through Canada’s eyes”) and in both official languages, the campaign positioned the message as a heartfelt, inclusive dialogue rather than an accusation.

The campaign generated over 90 million organic views across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, reaching far beyond Canada’s borders. It exceeded UNICEF’s petition and engagement goals and successfully drove audiences to the One Youth Canada platform to learn more and take action. The initiative redefined how Canadians perceive child welfare, transforming national pride into a call for progress.