CEO - BGC Canada

A young girl with long brown hair smiles while holding a white and blue megaphone at a crowded outdoor event.

Listening to youth voices

By Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada January 16, 2024 In BGC Clubs, we strive to listen to youth voices. We have strategic directions to amplify youth voices, assist them in finding their voice, and to help them to become...

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TTC streetcars travel along a busy city street at twilight, creating bright streaks of light motion against a background of tall buildings.

Dear Future Mayor of Toronto

July 22, 2023 By Valentina Shamoun and Sydney John-Baptise, both Torontonians and members of BGC Canada’s National Youth Council Dear Future Mayor - Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural city. The sheer number of traditions and opportunities – from jobs to...

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Why inclusive language is important

Why inclusive language is important

By Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada June 13, 2023 Not too long ago, we shared some style guides with our BGC Canada staff that discussed using language in more appropriate, inclusive ways in different situations and to recognize various...

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An apartment building with brick siding and multiple white balconies stands under a clear blue sky.

Hidden poverty in Canada

By Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada May 2, 2023 On my way to the office every day, I pass by an apartment building. It seems innocuous. Lots of green space. Near a ravine. Seems reasonably well-kept (from a...

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A Club is a Club is a Club?

By Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada April 11, 2023 My colleagues have heard me say more than once that “if you’ve seen one Club, you’ve seen one Club.” It’s a truism about the unique collection of programs, services, and...

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A BGC Alumni Story

A BGC Alumni Story

By Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada March 22, 2023 One morning I was eating breakfast in a hotel dining room in Ottawa and chatting with a colleague from another youth organization. A woman at the table next to...

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The root causes of our mental health crisis

The root causes of our mental health crisis

By Owen Charters Yesterday and today, and likely for weeks to come, the world will be glued to media as we watch Russia’s devastating invasion of the Ukraine. It is frightening to watch the largest military operation in Europe since the...

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Lifting up all children and families

Lifting up all children and families

By Owen Charters In a previous role, I helped craft the Order of Canada nomination for my organization’s board chair, Patrick Johnston. In pulling together the nomination, I did a lot of research about the Sixties Scoop, as Patrick had...

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BGC Canada launches first campaign after national rebranding

Published on Cision Oct. 4, 2021 New video & campaign raises awareness about the life-changing impact of BGC Clubs across Canada Toronto, ON, October 4, 2021 – Working with Toronto-based ROUND agency, BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of...

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