Following the success of last year’s Constituency Youth Council, I am excited to announce the CYC 2017/2018 applications are now open! If you are between the ages of 16-25 and would like to get involved, please visit my website and fill out the online application before September 30.
The purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to allow Canadian youth the chance to discuss key issues such as employment and education, building stronger communities, as well as the environment and innovation with their Member of Parliament.
Participants will meet every 1-2 months to discuss what matters most to them. During this time, they will work to organize community-based projects to help improve our community.
Students selected for this program will be a part of a committee with other youth from across their region and take part in a one year program where they are able to speak about and debate a variety of issues and topics. Each student is chosen to represent their school or community association. Once selected, the council will meet several times throughout the year to discuss important issues that matter to them, our community and our country. Following the example of our Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Justin Trudeau, the feedback gathered in our discussions will be used to understand the perspective of youth in the decisions the government makes.
Through the past Constituency Youth Council, we have found that the council is an incredible opportunity for both the elected official as well as the youth as it provides a new perspective for all involved. The youth that are chosen will gain valuable leadership skills, have their voices heard, and earn volunteer hours. Each member will also earn a certificate at the end of the Youth Council. The length of the Youth Council’s term is a full school year, spanning September 2017 to June 2018.
Investing in opportunities for youth is part of our government`s plan to support young Canadians, and I am very excited to have a chance to hear from TBRR`s youth about the issues that matter to them. I look forward to working with the youth council to make Thunder Bay—Rainy River a more inclusive and positive community.
