Proclamation - British Home Child Day in Canada

Proclamation

British Home Child Day in Canada

September 28, 2026

Whereas between 1869 and 1948, more than 100,000 children ranging in age from a few months old to 18 years were brought to Canada from the United Kingdom as part of child migration schemes, where many were placed in Canadian farms and households as a source of labour; and

Whereas many of these children were not orphans or homeless, but came from families experiencing poverty, illness, unemployment, or the loss of a parent, and were separated from their families through circumstances beyond their control; and

Whereas many British Home Children were settled in and around Port Hope, contributing to the growth and development of the community and leaving a lasting legacy through their descendants; and

Whereas the story of the British Home Children is an important part of the shared history of Canada and the United Kingdom and serves as a reminder of the resilience, determination, and contributions of those affected by child migration programs; and

Whereas the British Home Children Advocacy and Research Association (BHCARA) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Canada's British Home Children, advocating on behalf of those whose voices have been lost to history, and assisting individuals in researching their family histories;

Now, Therefore, I Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope do hereby proclaim September 28th, 2026 as “British Home Child Day in Canada” in the Municipality of Port Hope.

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