BARRIE, Ontario — The Ontario Government is creating a new youth environment council, to provide young Ontarians in grades 9 to 12 with more opportunities to share their insights and ideas on climate change and other key environmental issues impacting the province’s future. Ontario youth in high school are encouraged to apply to be volunteer members of the council by August 4.
“As the youngest environment minister in Ontario’s history I am excited to launch this new youth environment council to ensure our next generation are at the table in helping find solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time such as climate change and conservation,” said David Piccini, minister of the environment, conservation and parks. “As the leaders of tomorrow, we want to work together with youth as we look for ways to protect our environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.”
Members of the youth council will meet monthly from September to April to hear from expert guest speakers, discuss a range of environmental and climate change issues and provide input on potential solutions to ministry officials, including the minister of the environment, conservation and parks.
Eligible youth can apply to be members of the consultation group by completing an application form on ontario.ca/YEC by August 4, 2021 at 11:59 pm.
Candidates must currently be in grades 9 to 12 now, or as of the 2021 fall school year, and should have a passion for the environment, an understanding of key climate-related issues and solutions in their regions, and work or volunteer experience with activities related to climate change and the environment.
The ministry is collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders that engage with youth to ensure we have applicants with diverse interests. Applicants from across the province, including Indigenous communities, are encouraged to apply. Members of the Ontario Youth Environment Council will be announced later this summer.
