Consent Awareness WeekGuidesCommunities
Put consent on the map
Ask your city, province, or territory to recognize Consent Awareness Week. A proclamation creates a shared moment to highlight consent education, and gives schools, service providers, and organizations a focal point for programming that helps end gender-based violence.
Wins to celebrate
Thanks to advocates, students, and communities across the country, Consent Awareness Week is gaining official recognition.
Alberta
Declared in perpetuity
On August 29, 2024, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education declared the third week of September Consent Awareness Week in perpetuity. No provincial advocacy is needed here, so focus on your municipality.
See Ministerial Order No. 120/2024British Columbia
Proclaimed every year
British Columbia issues a provincial proclamation of Consent Awareness Week each September.
See the 2026 proclamationOntario
Private Member’s Bill introduced
In 2022, Ontario MPPs introduced the Consent Awareness Week Act, the first bill in Canada to propose recognizing the week in law. It was reintroduced as Bill 43 in 2025, passed first reading, and is waiting for second reading.
See Bill 43What is a proclamation?
A proclamation is an official announcement from a government body recognizing a date, occasion, or cause of public importance. For Consent Awareness Week, it formally acknowledges the importance of conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and gender-based violence prevention. Not all jurisdictions offer proclamations, and where they do, you usually need to submit a request through an online form or a written letter.
Build visibility each year
Proclamations
Anyone can request one. A proclamation is valid only for the year it’s declared, but it’s a powerful tool for raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and sparking education.
For lasting change
Private Members’ Bills
A bill must be introduced by a legislator, and can create permanent change in law. In 2022, Ontario MPPs introduced the Consent Awareness Week Act, the first Private Member’s Bill to propose recognizing the week in legislation. It was reintroduced as Bill 43 in 2025. To pursue this route, connect with your MPP, MLA, or MP.
How to request a proclamation
- Check availabilityNot all governments issue proclamations. Some have dedicated web pages or forms, while others don’t accept public requests. Do some research, and when in doubt, contact your local government to ask.
- Prepare a request letter or form
- Introduce yourself and your connection to the cause.
- State the name and dates: Consent Awareness Week, September 21–25, 2026.
- Include proposed wording or key messages for the proclamation. You can start from the sample wording below.
- Explain why consent education and gender-based violence prevention matter.
- Mind the deadlineSubmit your request at least 6 to 10 weeks before the week so it can be considered.
- Follow upIf there’s no public information about the process, send a letter asking how it works, and include your request details anyway. It may help open a dialogue.
Letter templateA fillable letter you can adapt and send to your elected officials.
Download the templateAfter you hear back
If it’s approved
Make it count
- Share the news on social media, with local media outlets, and through your organization’s channels.
- Engage your community. Encourage local schools, organizations, and service providers to plan events, workshops, or campaigns during the week.
- Collaborate with partners and supporters to amplify the message.
If it’s declined
Don’t be discouraged
Rejections happen for many reasons unrelated to the cause. If you get feedback, use it in your next request. Where proclamations aren’t available, you can still:
- Host community events
- Run a social media campaign
- Tell your networks and local leaders about Consent Awareness Week
Consent Awareness Week is grassroots and community-powered. Its impact lies in the conversations, education, and momentum it creates, not just official declarations.
Where to request a proclamation
Use these as a starting point. If your area isn’t listed, contact your local municipality; they can point you to the right process.
Manitoba
Contact your local municipality.
Quebec
Contact your local municipality.
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Contact your local municipality.
Prince Edward Island
Contact your local municipality.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Contact your local municipality.
Nunavut
Contact your local municipality.
Sample proclamation wording
Replace the highlighted parts with your community’s details. Some municipalities limit length or use their own template, so check their requirements first.
Whereas consent, bodily autonomy, and healthy relationships are fundamental to the safety and well-being of all people; and
Whereas gender-based violence remains a serious issue affecting communities across Canada; and
Whereas education, awareness, and dialogue are essential to preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors; and
Whereas Consent Awareness Week, observed annually during the third week of September, is a national initiative created by High School Too and Possibility Seeds…
Now therefore, I, [Mayor’s name], do hereby proclaim the third week of September as Consent Awareness Week in [Municipality], and encourage all residents to participate in learning, dialogue, and action toward building a culture of consent.