International Day of Family Remittances

International Day of Family Remittances History

International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is a globally recognized observance dedicated to acknowledging the significant financial contribution made by migrant workers to their families and home countries. It aims to promote greater awareness of the impact remittances have in improving the economic and social well-being of millions of households worldwide. The observance also encourages collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of remittance services in their respective countries.

In December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring June 16 as International Day of Family Remittances, recognizing the importance of remittances worldwide. In Canada, remittances serve as a key source of income for families and communities of migrant workers in their home countries. According to World Bank data, Canadian migrants sent over CAD $24 billion in remittances in 2019 alone. This significant financial flow is one of the many reasons Canadians should acknowledge the importance of this day and understand the vital role that remittance plays in alleviating poverty and boosting development in less prosperous nations.

In observance of International Day of Family Remittances, multiple events and initiatives are held across Canada to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of remittance services. These activities may include panel discussions, seminars, and conferences that bring together various stakeholders such as government, financial institutions, and community organizations. By participating in these events, Canadians can better understand and appreciate the importance of this observance, support migrant workers in their essential contribution to development, and promote an environment that helps facilitate efficient and cost-effective remittance services. IDFR is observed annually on June 16th, aligning with the United Nations General Assembly's resolution.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Family Remittances in Canada

• The International Day of Family Remittances 2026 is centered around the official theme, Remittances for Rural Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Employment, which emphasizes the role of these funds in driving economic transformation for women and youth in rural communities.
• With more than one in five people in Canada being foreign-born, the observance holds significant local weight as millions of residents maintain strong financial ties to their home countries.
• Financial data indicates that the volume of remittances sent privately by individuals in Canada to low- and middle-income countries often exceeds the federal government's total official foreign aid to those same regions.
• The Philippines, India, and China remain the top destination countries for funds sent from Canada, reflecting the diverse origins of the country's immigrant population.
• A key focus of the upcoming observance is the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 10.c, which aims to reduce the average transaction cost of sending money to less than 3 per cent by the year 2030.
• In Canada, the transition to digital platforms has accelerated, with over half of all cross-border transfers now occurring through mobile apps and online services rather than traditional cash-based agents.
• Recent economic analysis reveals that remittance outflows from Canada tend to remain stable or even increase during periods of global market volatility, as senders prioritize the needs of their families abroad over their own discretionary spending.
• The 2026 campaign highlights how these personal transfers serve as a critical lifeline for approximately 800 million family members worldwide, providing essential support for healthcare, education, and housing.
• To better protect consumers, Canada is currently implementing the Retail Payments Oversight Framework, a new regulatory regime designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the payment service providers used for international transfers.
• The United Nations encourages the private sector to waive transfer fees on June 16 to maximize the immediate financial impact for receiving households in developing nations.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day of Family Remittances

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Watch the IFAD's 2020 International Day of Family Remittances video if you missed it.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about family remittances in Canada. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Remittance (2016). This documentary explores the experience of migrant Filipino workers living and working in Singapore, focusing on their struggles and the challenges they face in supporting their families through remittances.
  2. Dollar a Day, 10 Cents a Dance: A Personal Documentary. This documentary is about two Maltese immigrants who leave their families behind in Malta and work in Canada, sending remittances back to support their families.
• Read a book to learn more about family remittances in Canada. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Sending Money Home: Canadian Remittances to Asia and the Pacific by World Bank Group . This report specifically looks at the Canadian remittance market to Asia and the Pacific, covering topics like trends, challenges, innovation, and policy recommendations.
  2. Diasporas, Remittances and the State: State, Market, and Civil Society Responses in Canada by Don DeVoretz . This study looks at the Canadian context for remittances, focused on the role of the government, market, and civil society in shaping remittance flows.
  3. Migration, Remittances, and Capital Flows in Canada by Michael G. Plummer. This book looks at the broader economic context of migration in Canada, including the role of remittances in supporting capital flows and development.