The Manitoba government is proud to follow through on its commitment to engage the next generation in the collective fight against climate change and has selected nine young Manitobans as members of the new Youth Advisory Council on climate.
“Young people want to be heard, and have valuable ideas and solutions to add to the discussion on mitigating climate change, locally and globally,” Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard said. “Our government is committed to harnessing the energy, passion and perspective of our youth as we implement our Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan with the goal of making Manitoba our country’s cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province. We were pleased to have so many applicants and welcome the involvement and excitement of the young men and women on the new Youth Advisory Council.”
The province is pleased with the quick response and call for action, and welcomes the involvement and the excitement from young Manitobans interested in the council, the minister noted. The Manitoba government received over 85 applications and selected nine members who represent the diversity of the province with a commitment for making a difference. The Youth Advisory Council members are aged 18 to 25, include students and young professionals, come from Winnipeg, Minto, Oakbank, Steinbach, Swan River and Thompson, and speak a total of six languages.
Members of the youth council will report to the already-established independent Expert Advisory Council, which makes recommendations to the minister of conservation and climate on all aspects of the climate and green plan including the pillars of climate, jobs, water and nature.
“The Expert Advisory Council looks forward to working with the newly established Youth Advisory Council. Addressing climate change requires broad action across all economic sectors and collaboration among all Manitobans, businesses, academia and governments,” said Colleen Sklar, chair of the Expert Advisory Council. “Hearing the voices of youth is essential as we collectively work to provide advice on delivering the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan.”
The minister said the council will meet in early 2020 to begin its important work.
