Prime Minister welcomes new members to Youth Council

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau  welcomed 10 new members to his Youth Council. Together, these young Canadians will continue to provide important, non-partisan advice to the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada on issues that matter to young people and all Canadians – including mental health, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, diversity, innovation, economic growth that works for everyone, as well as youth employment and youth service. “I thank the original 15 members of the Youth Council for their dedication and advice over the last two years. I look forward to hearing the innovative ideas that the new members will bring with them. Their perspectives are crucial to shaping policies that will benefit young people and all Canadians,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

They will join the 11 current members, bringing the Youth Council to a total of 21 members. The original 15 members named in 2016 have concluded their mandate and now begin their work as Youth Council Alumni.

“Through the Youth Council, young Canadians have a distinctive platform to convey their unique perspectives, and those of their communities, to the highest levels of government. Their input has immense value to policy-makers, who regularly seek their honest, fearless advice,” said Peter Schiefke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Youth)

During the last year, the Youth Council has also worked with the Government of Canada to develop Canada’s first-ever youth policy. As part of the consultation phase, the Youth Council, youth-serving organizations, and other youth ambassadors led in-person roundtable discussions across the country and engaged young people on what a youth policy should look like. Young people also submitted ideas through YouthAction.ca.

Over the summer, further discussions will be held with young people to explore how to create a national youth policy that reflects their priorities and addresses the issues young Canadians care about.