Enabling citizens to be part of the disaster response system is the most urgent step we need to take to ensure that, collectively, we will be ready for what ever disaster we fear coming our way.
Building capacity to strengthen local response is essential—but imagine the difference if that capacity can effortlessly scale up regionally, provincially and even nationally. Achieving this requires a strategic, systematic approach. Youth leadership can drive the paradigm shift needed to step up; to get trained and to demonstrate how meaningful it is to serve, to build deep connections, belong to a team you can rely on, and to be part of something larger than oneself.
It was a great opportunity to discuss this with Pauline Baudu , CDAI Program Director - Climate Security, to highlight how we can come together to increase disaster readiness and national resilience in Canada.

On October 21-22, 2025 CPYC President Eva Cohen delivered a keynote speech at the Ontario Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMCON) in Toronto.

Beyond catching up- Disaster Response Reimagined: A Canadian Civil Protection Approach explains the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens, and the multiple benefits in creating readiness and strengthening resilience with a civil protection approach by empowering citizens to have a role.

This collaborative workshop is co-hosted by the National Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (CIPSER) and Civil Protection Youth Canada (CPYC), and made possible by the Department of National Defence: Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS). 

On Oct 8th-9th 2025, CPYC President Eva Cohen participated in two panel discussions at the Montreal Climate Security Summit: Civil-military Cooperation on Climate Resilience, and Advancing Civil-military Cooperationon in Emergency Management Across the Alliance. She highlighted the benefits of a Canadian Civilian Disaster Response & Civil Defence approach modeled on Germany’s successful Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), and the incredible potential for Canadian youth to get trained in civil protection skills and lead the change to a more resilient society.

CPYC President Eva Cohen joined CBC The House Catherine Cullen and Dr. Alex Wilner to discuss: Should Canada have a Civil Defence Force?

Want to see what CPYC is all about? This free, hands-on session is the perfect way to explore our mission, learn the skills we teach, and discover how to get involved.

CPYC President Eva Cohen joined the Policy Insights Forum’s Strategic Thinkers Series to discuss the benefits of a Canadian Civilian Disaster Response, and the incredible potential for youth to leading this much needed change to our outdated response system.

CPYC President Eva Cohen joined national leaders at a KAS Canada roundtable to discuss climate risks and disaster readiness. She highlighted current gaps in Canada’s approach and proposed a cohesive, citizen-based solution to strengthen our national response system.

In partnership with Eco Echo, CPYC hosted a free Earth Day workshop to help families build practical skills for disaster readiness. From emergency kits to real-life planning, participants left empowered and better prepared.

The CPYC Community Action Team supports Cantley residents in opposing an unsustainable urban plan that threatens the region’s rural identity, safety, and environment. Together, they’re calling for responsible, locally informed land-use planning, climate adaptation and the protection of the environment.

Featured in L’ÉCHO de CANTLEY, CPYC's article: “Cantley attracts national and international experts to Reimagine Disaster Relief for Canada” informs the community about the high level expert exchange workshop co-hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) and Civil Protection Youth Canada (CPYC) at Cantley’s event venue Manoir de la Forêt

The workshop hosted on January 8^th and 9^th, 2025, in Cantley Quebec is another milestone to advance the discussion on the adaptation of the Canadian emergency response system to an increase of threats and challenges, and to ensure current and future local and national disaster readiness.

As a member of the Climate Proof Canada Coalition, CPYC was proud to be participating at the National Climate Adaptation Summit Day in Ottawa.

Featured in L’ÉCHO de CANTLEY, CPYC's article: “Being ready for disaster in times of unprecedented extreme weather events” reports on our exciting experience at our partner organization’s THW youth summer camp in Germany and the takeaways for we need to do more to be ready for future disaster impact.

Our Fireside Chats are a great opportunity for community members to connect with neighbors in person, and meet new and old friends!

On the first Wednesday of each month , we explore different topics, identified or potential hazard/threats to our community. After a brief explanation of the hazard, we follow up with a discussion, resulting in ideas to encourage action both on the household level as well as the community level; to mitigate the risk and strengthen our resilience.

Featured in L’ÉCHO de CANTLEY, CPYC's article: “Wildfire Safety” reports on our June Fireside Chat where we raised awareness about Wildfire hazards. Benjamin Wilkinson, Provincial Fire Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, generously shared with us which concrete steps and choices homeowners can make to increase the chances of their homes surviving a wildfire.

Team CPYC is super excited to be able to follow the invitation to Germany's THW Youth federal camp "Bundesjugendlager" (BuJuLa) which takes place every 3 years!

Our Fireside Chats are a great opportunity for community members to connect with neighbors in person, and meet new and old friends!

On the first Wednesday of each month , we explore an identified or potential hazard/threat to our community. After a brief explanation of the hazard, we follow up with a discussion, resulting in ideas to encourage action both on the household level as well as the community level; to mitigate the risk and strengthen our resilience.

Featured in L’ÉCHO de CANTLEY, CPYC's joint article with Cantley 1889 Historical Society: "Cantley’s Identity – Another suburb or “nature accueillante”?" reflects on the fact that we don’t have to be passive bystanders when our community faces threats and needs protection.
Click ‘Read More’ to view the full article on page 10

We look forward to celebrating Cantley’s past with you, and would like to encourage you to help determine Cantley’s future!

Especially to protect this precious rural identity, which many of us feel is now under threat once again.

Knowing our history and understanding our heritage are much more important than we often acknowledge.

Not only because history tends to repeat itself, but because there are lessons to be learned!