The idea of forming a pro-choice youth network came about from the first Canadian Federation for Sexual Health National Pro-choice Youth Leadership Conference, which took place October 27 – 29 2005 in Ottawa. The overarching goals of the Youth Leadership Conference were to find a way to train and support youth so that they could advocate at the national level for issues related to sexual and reproductive health, and to choose a primary focus for their work in 2006. There was so much support and enthusiasm for the new youth network, youth delegates, Canadian Federation for Sexual Health affiliate members, and board representatives who attended the conference, that it was decided that instead of one sole issue, the new youth network would work on three issues over the year:

· Improving the limited access to sexual and reproductive health rights and services in Canada
· Mandating a more consistent and comprehensive sexual health education curriculum
· Raise awareness of sexual and reproductive rights

The creation of CYC is consistent with the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health commitment to human rights, which includes healthy sexuality, its diversity of expression, and reproductive choice. CYC is the first organized pro-choice youth network in Canada, and is committed to continuing its growth across the country, while raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights.

History of Choice in Canada