Each year on December 12, the world observes the International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day), commemorating the historic 2012 United Nations resolution that urged all nations to ensure accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare for all people, without causing financial hardship.

Each year on December 10, the world observes Human Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This groundbreaking document affirmed, for the first time in history, that every person is born with inalienable rights and freedoms, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ability, class, or any other status.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), recognized annually on December 3, is a United Nations–proclaimed observance that promotes the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day seeks to raise awareness about the social, economic, and political barriers that continue to impact over 1.3 billion persons with disabilities globally.

Confronting Gender-Based and Digital Violence in Alberta and Beyond

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on November 25, to recognize and end the pervasive, systemic, and often invisible forms of violence faced by women and gender-diverse people. Established by the United Nations in 1999, the day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, uniting movements across the world in the fight for justice, safety, and equity.

Anchoring Hope. Responding to Substance Use with Compassion and Care

National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), observed across Canada from November 16 to 22, is a time to reflect on the realities of substance use, challenge stigma, and advocate for policies and practices that support people who use substances. This year’s theme, “Anchoring Hope”, highlights the importance of connection, community, and belief in the possibility of change and recovery. It emphasizes the need for care systems that uphold dignity, foster connection, and prioritize health and equity.

From Awareness to Action: Defending Diversity in a Divided World

The International Day for Tolerance, observed every year on November 16, is a global call to reaffirm our collective commitment to respect, inclusion, and human dignity. Established by UNESCO in 1995, the day urges communities, governments, and institutions to counter intolerance in all its forms, racism, xenophobia, religious persecution, homophobia, ableism, and more.

Mental health in humanitarian emergencies

Acknowledging Crises, Centering Access

World Mental Health Day, observed each year on October 10, is a global call to raise awareness, dismantle stigma, and advocate for equitable and accessible mental health care.

Honouring Contributions, Confronting Challenges

National Seniors Day, observed annually on October 1, is Canada’s opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of older adults and to spotlight the unique challenges many face as they age. This observance invites all Canadians to reflect not only on what seniors have given to society, but on what we owe them in return: respect, safety, inclusion, and support.

Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed annually on September 30, is a federal statutory holiday dedicated to acknowledging the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and honoring the children who never returned home. It also pays tribute to the Survivors, families, and communities who continue to endure and resist the legacies of colonial violence.

Gender Equality Week, observed annually during the fourth week of September, serves as a national opportunity to celebrate progress, highlight persistent challenges, and recommit to achieving full gender equity in Canada. Established in 2018 through the passage of the Gender Equality Week Act, this commemorative week encourages Canadians to reflect on and address the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact women and gender-diverse individuals.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The triennial global theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” (2024–2026) calls for a transformation in how suicide is understood and addressed.

Celebrating Black Excellence, Confronting Structural Injustice

On August 31, the world observes the International Day for People of African Descent, a day established by the United Nations to acknowledge the contributions, cultures, and resilience of people of African descent worldwide. First observed in 2021, the day affirms the need to promote the full inclusion of people of African descent and to combat systemic racism, discrimination, and historical injustice.

Honouring Self‑Determination: A Pathway to Food Security and Sovereignty

Each year on August 9, the world observes the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples to celebrate the richness of Indigenous cultures and to draw attention to the injustices that many Indigenous communities continue to face. Declared by the United Nations in 1994, this day marks the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982, a pivotal moment in global Indigenous advocacy.

Remembering Freedom, Confronting Legacy

On August 1, Canadians observe Emancipation Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which took effect across the British Empire in 1834. This historic legislation freed more than 800,000 enslaved African people in British colonies, including what is now Canada. The day is both a celebration of Black freedom and a solemn reminder of Canada’s own history of slavery and systemic anti-Black racism.

Every year on July 30, the world pauses to confront a brutal, hidden reality: human trafficking. This global crime, encompassing forced labour, sexual exploitation, organ trafficking, and forced marriage, victimizes millions in silence. It’s not a distant tragedy but a grave violation of human dignity that thrives under systems of inequality.

Each year on June 21, people across Canada come together to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, languages, knowledge systems, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place during the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and a sacred time in many Indigenous communities that marks renewal, connection to the land, and the power of sunlight and spirit.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. It’s a time to honour the deep histories, vibrant cultures, and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island. This month invites all settlers to reflect on the lands they occupy, to learn the truths that have long been silenced, and to take responsibility for building relationships rooted in respect and justice.

Too often, Indigenous stories have been overlooked, erased, or misrepresented… told through colonial frameworks. 

Red Dress Day, observed each year on May 5, is a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+) in Canada. It is a solemn reminder of the ongoing crisis of gender-based and colonial violence disproportionately impacting Indigenous communities.

“We don’t need to be quiet to heal. We need space, support, and a society that believes us.” -  Chanel Miller

Every May, we observe Sexual Violence Prevention Month. It is a time for communities, organizations, and individuals to speak out, take meaningful action, and support those affected by sexual violence. The goal is not only to raise awareness but to drive cultural and systemic change. Sexual violence often goes unreported and unacknowledged because of stigma, fear, and shame. Survivors are frequently silenced or dismissed, and those who witness harm may hesitate to intervene or speak up. This silence allows abuse to continue and abusers to go unchallenged.

The theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day 2025 is ‘Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals’. This theme highlights the connection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts and how inclusive policies and practices such as eliminating barriers for autistic peoples, promoting inclusive policies and recognizing the contributions of autistic individuals in society can create positive change for both autistic individuals worldwide as well as help achieve the goals of the the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.