THUNDER BAY – Youth are the future of the nation and Canada’s health minister is looking to engage as many as possible in the political process.
Patty Hajdu, also the Liberal MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, on Tuesday opened applications for her youth advisory council, a chance for youngsters between 15 and 22 to provide regular input, platform ideas and perspectives on the issues facing them and their communities.
It’s something she’s been doing since she was first elected in 2015, and she said it’s a valuable learning experience for both the youth council members and herself, as a politician.
“I think for me it’s always important to reach into populations that sometimes don’t have a powerful voice in politics,” Hajdu said.
“Young people, especially at the younger ages, don’t vote in this country and yet have passionate ideas about the future of this country, given that they are going to be the leaders who will determine the future for our community, the province and for our federal government.”
Any opportunity to have a direct line to an elected official is a great chance to have that say, Hajdu added.
It teaches them how to develop and present an idea, and ideally, to see it come to fruition, which can be a powerful experience for someone just discovering their political identity and passion.
It also brings young people together, regardless of their political stripe and background.
“Our youth council typically has had people from outside of Thunder Bay, Indigenous community members, young people with disabilities, people who work already in advocacy roles in their communities and people who are brand new to advocacy,” Hajdu said.
“And all of that variety and that different experience comes together in a way that helps the youth council learn from each other.”
All Hajdu is asking of her Constituency Youth Council members is that they remain engaged throughout the year. There is a time commitment and regular meetings and sessions, which for now will be held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it’s OK to miss a few sessions over the course of a year because of other commitments, missing too many defeats the purpose.
She urged only those who can spare the time and have the passion and interest in politics and policy to apply, but noted that anyone who does apply is generally accepted.
Issues that may come up include climate change, substance use, affordable house, the pandemic itself, economic uncertainty and a whole host of items aimed specifically at the younger generation, including education and jobs.
Applications can be found at www.pattyhajdu.libparl.ca.
