We Are Secure
UNICEF Canada defines security as having reliable access to life’s necessities—affordable housing, nutritious food, quality public services, and essential supports such as health care, education, childcare, transportation, and internet access. Security also includes being able to participate fully in social and cultural life through affordable opportunities. Our research asks: How does access to the internet and digital technology affect young people’s material security and their ability to meet these basic needs?
Watch Digital Portraits
Hear directly from Canadian Gen Z youth in these short videos. Filmed 2024–2025.
to choose from 28 videos
Mini Literature Review
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Resources
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Explore Resources By:
Research – Reports, articles, findings, background reading
For Youth – Interactive tools, guides, and activities designed for youth
Supporting Youth – Resources for educators, parents, policymakers, and practitioners
YouthREX Evidence Brief — The Digital Divide
Youth Research & Evaluation eXchange (ON)
Synthesis on youth access to connectivity, devices, and skills in Ontario (2021).
Read Brief
Barriers to Digital Equity
ACORN Canada
Community-led research on affordability gaps and digital access in Canada (2019).
Read Report
Research Database
Digital Futures for Children
Free database of good-quality research on children’s digital lives (search by topic/country).
Explore
How’s Life in the Digital Age
OECD
Synthesis of 39 ways digital transformation affects wellbeing, incl. access & security.
Read Report
Canada’s State of Youth Report
Government of Canada
Priorities from 1,000 youth incl. Health & Wellness, Education, and Equity (2019).
Read the Report
Community Child & Youth Well-Being Survey
UNICEF Canada
Canadian indicators incl. material security (housing, food, income, access) (2022).
View PDF
Canadian Index of Child & Youth Well-Being
UNICEF Canada
Digest with measures on housing, food security, income & access (2019).
Read Digest
Research & Data Hub
Infrastructure Canada
Federal research & data on housing and community infrastructure (access & equity).
Browse Data
Affiliated Initiatives
School of Cities, University of Toronto
Urban research projects on housing, mobility, and access that shape material security.
Explore
Too Good To Go
App (Multiple Canadian Cities)
Heavily discounted surplus food from local restaurants & grocers.
Get the App
Second Harvest — Food Rescue App
Second Harvest
Available across Canada, the food rescue app allows food businesses to post a food donation in real time that can then be claimed and picked up by a non-profit in the community.
Find Food
ShelterSafe
Women’s Shelters Canada
Online map of shelters across Canada for women, children, and youth.
Open Map
211 Canada
National
24/7 online search/chat to find housing, food, transit, health & income supports.
Search Supports
Embracing Life App
Embracing Life Initiative
Feel more positive/connected and reach out to support someone you’re worried about.
Get the App
Food Security Now
Community Food Centers Canada
Search your address to learn more about food insecurity in your area, as well as income and housing affordability.
Open Tool
NeedHelpNow.ca
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Steps to remove intimate images online and get support (incl. sextortion).
Get Help
TELUS Mobility for Good
TELUS
Free phone + low-cost plan for youth aging out of care across Canada. Note: telco-funded; potential brand bias)
See Details
Connecting Families
Government of Canada
Low-cost high-speed home internet ($10/$20 plans) with online enrollment.
Check Eligibility
TELUS Internet for Good
TELUS
Offers low-cost, high-speed Internet to qualified low-income families and seniors, youth aging out of care and people with disabilities in need. Note: telco-funded; potential brand bias)
See Details
Computers for Schools Plus
ISED — Innovation, Science & Economic Development
National refurbishing program: provides computers and other digital devices to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income Canadians.
Apply
BC Technology for Learning
Computers for Schools (BC)
Refurb devices for families, schools & nonprofits; youth tech internships.
Browse
Computers for Schools — Alberta
Computers for Schools (AB)
Refurbished computers for eligible learners & communities across Alberta.
See Programs
Dig for Your Rights! Food Sovereignty Toolkit
Food & Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley
A youth-friendly guide and toolkit to understand and advocate for food sovereignty in Canada.
View Toolkit
Feeding My Family: How are Individuals using Social Media in the context of supporting Food Security and Food Sovereignty in Northern Canada?
Larissa Koplyay (2020)
This capstone research project explores the role that social media platforms play in increasing awareness of and promoting advocacy for food sovereignty in the northern territories of Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories.
Read Research
Four Stories about Food — Resource List
Four Stories about Food (Canada)
Curated set of food security and food sovereignty resources led by Indigenous and Canadian voices.
Explore Resources
BIPOC Wellness Resources
UBC KUS
Culturally inclusive, digital-first wellness supports for BIPOC youth in Canada.
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