- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026
- World Sepsis Day – September 13, 2026
- Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month & World Mitochondrial Disease Week – September 14 to 20, 2026
- Rail Safety Week – September 21 to 27, 2026
- British Home Children Day – September 28, 2026
- Islamic History Month – October 2026
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month – October 2026
- Fire Prevention Week – October 4 to 10, 2026
- National Dental Care Day – October 10, 2026
- Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week – November 1 to 7, 2026
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting those living with prostate cancer. It is the most common type of cancer to affect Canadian men. Raising awareness for Prostate Cancer is one of the best ways to help people learn about the signs, symptoms, and preventive screening. It also helps build communities and foster connections.
For more information, visit: prostatecanada.ca
World Sepsis Day – September 13, 2026
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a global health priority, sepsis is responsible for approximately 20% of deaths worldwide each year. Despite its impact, awareness of sepsis and its warning signs remains low.
In Canada, more than 30,000 people are affected by sepsis annually, with mortality rates ranging from 20% to 30%. For those who survive, recovery can be challenging and may include long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Many survivors also face ongoing health complications, with up to half requiring hospital readmission within the year following their illness.
Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain groups are at greater risk, including young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Early recognition and timely treatment are critical to improving outcomes and saving lives.
To learn more about sepsis, its symptoms, and prevention, visit sepsiscanada.ca
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month & World Mitochondrial Disease Week – September 14 to 20, 2026
Without energy, we cannot survive. Every moment of every day, trillions of mitochondria generate the energy we need to survive. For those who are missing, or do not have enough healthy mitochondria, the impact can be devastating with symptoms that vary from mild to life-threatening.
MitoCanada is Canada’s only registered health foundation dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, families, and caregivers affected by mitochondrial disease. Their mission is to energize and support patients, families, and healthcare providers across the country through education, support, awareness, and transformational research, aiming to be a trusted and reliable source of information and care.
For more information, please visit: mitopatients.org/mito-week and mitocanada.org
Rail Safety Week – September 21 to 27, 2026
Rail Safety Week will take place across Canada from September 21 to 27, 2026. In the past year, there were 252 railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada, resulting in 69 fatalities and 60 serious injuries - all of which were preventable. Increasing public awareness and education around rail safety is essential to reducing these incidents and saving lives. It is important to remind residents that railway rights-of-way are private property.
Communities play a key role in promoting safety by:
- Raising awareness of the dangers associated with highway-rail grade crossings
- Encouraging pedestrians and motorists to remain alert, look and listen when near railway tracks
- Reinforcing the importance of obeying all traffic laws and signals
Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership that collaborates with the rail industry, all levels of government, Indigenous communities, police services, and media to raise awareness, prevent injuries, and save lives.
For more information, please visit: cn.ca/railsafety and operationlifesaver.ca.
British Home Children Day – September 28, 2026
National British Home Child Day recognizes the more than 100,000 children who were sent from Britain to Canada between 1869 and 1948. Many of these children were placed on farms and in households across the country, including in Pickering Township and surrounding areas. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the experiences of British Home Children, recognize their contributions to Canadian communities, and raise awareness of an important chapter in Canadian history that is not widely known. Many British Home Children made lasting homes in the area, and their legacy continues through their descendants and local historical ties.
British Home Children Day serves as a time to reflect on their resilience and to increase public understanding of their role in shaping communities across Canada.
For more information, please visit britishhomechildren.com.
Islamic History Month – October 2026
Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC) provides an opportunity to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the rich Muslim heritage and contributions to society: Contributions in sciences, humanities, medicine, astronomy, and other disciplines that have greatly benefited human progress. IHMC believes that through education and sharing positive stories, all Canadians can grow and connect in the best way possible.
The theme for IHMC this year is “The Art and Legacy of Islamic Calligraphy”. Throughout October 2026, communities, schools, libraries, museums, cultural organizations, and places of worship will have opportunities to engage with exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and discussions that showcase this remarkable tradition.
For more information, please visit: islamichistorymonth.ca
National Disability Employment Awareness Month – October 2026
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the valuable skills, talents, and contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workforce and our communities. Celebrated across Canada since 2010, NDEAM raises awareness of the importance and benefits of inclusive hiring practices and encourages employers to create accessible workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The month also highlights the value of a diverse workforce and supports greater access to meaningful, paid employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
For more information, please visit the Ontario Disability Employment Network website: odenetwork.com/initiatives/annual-ndeam-campaign.
Fire Prevention Week – October 4 to 10, 2026
Fire Prevention Week is observed annually on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire which began October 8, 1871, and caused most of its damage on October 9. Fire Prevention week 2026 takes place on October 4–10, with Fire Prevention Day recognized on October 9.
The week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about fire safety and encourage individuals and families to take steps to prevent fires and protect their homes. The 2026 theme, selected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is “Charge Into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” which focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
For more information, please visit: nfpa.org
National Dental Care Day – October 10, 2026
National Dental Care Day (NDCD) is a coast-to-coast Canadian movement that celebrates dignity, compassion, and access to essential oral health services. Every October 10th, participating dentists and dental professionals volunteer their time to provide free dental care such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions, to individuals who face barriers to care. NDCD is organized by Doing Positive in My Backyard, a recognized grassroots volunteer initiative founded by Dr. Raj Khanuja, recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Since 2012, over $360,000 in free dental services have been provided through this initiative. This proclamation will encourage greater civic participation, community care, and equitable health access across Ontario.
For more information, please visit: nationaldentalcareday.ca
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week – November 1 to 7, 2026
In 2014, the Province of Ontario declared the first week in November as the Official Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week through the passage of Bill 77, which made carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in all Ontario homes. Establishing an annual awareness week was part of the Province’s ongoing commitment to improving fire and carbon monoxide safety and helping keep Ontario families safe. The public education campaign, “Beat the Silent Killer”, is led by Fire Services across the province. Throughout the week, Fire Departments raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors in residential dwellings. Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week takes place from November 1-7, 2026.
For more information, please visit the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs’ Beat the Silent Killer campaign website.