Canada Day event marks a new chapter for Katimavik

On Canada Day, Katimavik announced two major initiatives that mark the beginning of its next chapter: the expansion of the FuturePerfect program to Halifax and the upcoming launch of the Katimavik Foundation.

The announcements were made before an audience of alumni, partners, and community members gathered at Saraguay House, at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, in an atmosphere of celebration, reconnection, and hope.

FuturePerfect in Halifax

The event marked the arrival of FuturePerfect in Halifax, an important milestone that will allow young people to access paid work experiences, develop in-demand skills and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.

By collaborating with employers and community organizations, the program fosters the development of self-confidence, independence and the essential skills needed for entry into the job market. Its expansion to Halifax addresses a growing need to provide young people across Canada with accessible pathways to employment, professional development and community engagement.

The Katimavik Foundation

The Katimavik Foundation is a new initiative created to expand the organization’s long-term impact and ensure future generations can continue to benefit from transformative Katimavik experiences. It will harness private sector engagement that will support efforts to grow opportunities for youth nationwide. This will be achieved through community service, leadership development, employability and civic engagement while strengthening Katimavik’s capacity to respond to the evolving needs of young people and communities from coast to coast to coast.

For nearly fifty years, public support helped build the organization. The Foundation will now allow Katimavik to mobilize public and private support together, creating a more sustainable base for its work.

“This is not about one program. It is not about one government. It is not about one generation. It is about creating a permanent commitment to investing in Canada’s youth.”
— JF (John-Frederick) Cameron, CEO of Katimavik

Deputy Mayor Patty Cuttell and Katimavik President and CEO JF Cameron

 

Nearly five decades of impact

Since its founding in 1977, Katimavik has empowered more than 40,000 young Canadians through service, leadership and community engagement.

Guests at the event explored a special exhibition of archival materials, photographs, videos and personal stories tracing that impact over the past 49 years and attended screenings of Canada in Action, Katimavik’s documentary series spotlighting stories of community engagement, service and youth leadership across the country.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees reconnected with fellow alumni, networked with community partners and learned about current and upcoming programs in a celebratory atmosphere.

Looking ahead to 2027

The gathering served as both a celebration of Katimavik’s past and a launchpad for its future. As the organization prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2027, it remains committed to creating opportunities that empower young people to build skills, strengthen communities and to a more engaged and inclusive Canada.

“Canada is strongest when young people are empowered to reach and maximize their potential” said JF Cameron.

We are grateful to the RBC Foundation and the Government of Canada, through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, for their support in helping make this milestone possible.