- Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 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
- Children’s Grief Awareness Month – November 2026
- Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week – November 1 to 7, 2026
- World Planning Day – November 8, 2026
- Christian Heritage Month – December 2026
Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2026
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of breast cancer and recognize the impact individuals and families. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer at some point in their life.
The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, taking place on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The cause raises funds for cancer research and support programs. Since 1992, over $540 Million has been raised to fund breast cancer research projects.
The CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to come together to honour and celebrate their loved ones, and to make a real difference for all Canadians.
For more information, please visit: Run or walk to support breast cancer - CIBC Run for the Cure
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
Children’s Grief Awareness Month – November 2026
November is Children's Grief Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges children face when they grieve and promoting support to them and their families. Children's Grief Awareness Day is observed on the third Thursday of November each year - this year being Thursday, November 19, 2026. The month focuses on ensuring that grieving children feel seen, supported, and connected to hope as they navigate loss. The color blue and the blue butterfly are commonly used as symbols of hope, compassion, and support for grieving children.
For more information, please visit: grievingchildrencanada.org
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.
World Planning Day – November 8, 2026
Celebrated globally since 1949, World Town Planning Day raises awareness of the planning profession and highlights the important role that sound planning plays in creating vibrant, sustainable, and livable communities. Endorsed by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), this annual observance also recognizes the contributions of local planning committees, professionals, and residents who help shape and improve the quality of life within our community.
Christian Heritage Month – December 2026
December is Christian Heritage Month. The month marks significant events and celebrations in the Christian calendar, from the beginning of Advent to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for Canadians of all backgrounds to appreciate and celebrate the positive impact of Christianity on our shared history; and December is associated with the tradition of gift giving and the gathering of family, friends, and people of all faiths.