The provincial government is calling on Manitoba youth of all walks of life and from all corners of the province to have a seat at the provincial table and join in the critical discussions and decision-making process on addressing climate change.

“Our government wants to harness the energy, passion and forward-thinking perspective of young Manitobans as we make the necessary steps today to protect our environment and grow a low carbon economy,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires. “On this day of the Global Climate Strike, I am pleased to announce that our government will create a Youth Advisory Council to help guide the discussions and actions we take to mitigate climate change and implement our made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan with the goal of making Manitoba Canada’s cleanest, greenest province.”

The Manitoba government will also seek input from the Youth Advisory Council on its plan to eliminate the use of plastic bags, as outlined in the government’s recently released 100-Day Action Plan, Squires added.

The Youth Advisory Council will be comprised of Manitoba youth, aged 15 to 25 and will report directly to the Manitoba Climate and Green Plan’s Expert Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC provides expert, independent technical advice to the minister of sustainable development.

With the introduction and implementation of the made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, the provincial government has already taken significant action to protect the environment and grow the economy, the minister noted. Some of those important initiatives include:

  • closing the last coal-fired generating station ahead of schedule, giving Manitoba the country’s cleanest electricity grid with 99.7 per cent generated from renewable sources;
  • designing energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive schools such as Amber Trails Community School, which became the second school in Canada to receive Platinum level LEED designation, with 13 other Manitoba schools having gold or silver ratings;
  • establishing the $102-million Conservation Trust and $52-million GROW Trust to help protect wetlands, preserve natural habitat and improve water quality;
  • establishing the first carbon savings account in North America;
  • working with provincial, territorial and federal ministers of environment to develop a Canada-wide Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste; and
  • supporting green jobs through Manitoba Works, the Manitoba Economic Growth Action Plan and youth summer employment programs to provide hands on experience to support sustainability.

“Addressing climate change requires broad action across all economic sectors and collaboration among citizens, business and governments,” added Squires. “Our youth will inherit the world we leave for them, and we want their voices to continue to be heard as we collectively work to protect and enhance our beautiful province and planet.”