Federal policymakers are getting a set of fresh voices in conversations surrounding sustainability in the country.
Earlier this week, Natural Resources Canada launched its 12-member youth council, tasked with studying and sharing perspectives on pressing climate and natural resource issues.
The council was revealed at the UN National Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal by North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of natural resources. According to a statement, the youth council reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to protecting nature while recognizing the importance of engaging youth on climate and natural resource issues.
One of the council members is Siavash Salamatian, a 20-year-old student from North Van studying political science at UBC. “He would like to use the NRCan youth council as an opportunity to learn how different orders of government are working together to achieve a green transition in Canada,” the statement reads.
Another member representing B.C. is Lauren Peng, a student at the University of Victoria.
During a one-year mandate, the selected youth will weigh in on polices related to decarbonizing transportation, nature restoration, energy efficiency, sustainable jobs as well as Indigenous partnerships and economic reconciliation.
Natural Resources Canada said members will provide their lived and learned perspectives to Wilkinson and senior officials to inform and support policy processes, while gaining valuable experience and learning from their peers.
Young Canadians understand better than anyone the challenges and opportunities ahead of us as we combat climate change and build an inclusive net-zero economy, Wilkinson said.
“These 12 young people are leaders from across Canada who bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives,” he said. “I look forward to our dialogues on critically important issues facing our country and our world.”
For more information on the council, visit National Resources Canada's website.
