Trudeau announces Youth Council to give input on national policy

Justin Trudeau unveils plans for Prime Minister’s Youth Council on Twitter Tuesday in a live question-and-answer session

Thestar.com
July 19, 2016
By Robin Levinson King

Justin Trudeau is asking youths ages 16 to 24 to help shape the future of Canadian policy.

Trudeau unveiled his plans for Prime Minister’s Youth Council on Twitter Tuesday in a live question-and-answer session.

“I’m looking forward to showing young people and showing all Canadians that young people’s voices and input matter deeply,” he said in a video posted on Twitter ahead of the Q&A session.

The non-partisan council, Trudeau’s own initiative, will provide input on national issues such as employment, education and climate change. The council will meet with the prime minister in person in October, and again in 2017.

“You can expect that #pmyouthcouncil will be driven by youth themselves, and will cover issues that you say matter,” Trudeau said on Twitter.

Online applications begin Friday, and close on August 12. Trudeau said members will be selected for their community involvement and leadership experience, amongst other criteria. Members can serve up to a two-year term, and can expect to spend about 10-20 hours a month on council-related activities, according to a government website.

Meetings will be held across the country and participants will be compensated for their time and travel expenses.