Prince Edward Island’s Youth Futures Council accepting applications

The Government of Prince Edward Island is now accepting applications from young people to be members of a new Youth Futures Council that will provide input and advice to government on issues affecting young Islanders as announced in the Speech from the Throne in the spring.

“The Youth Futures Council will play a vital role in contributing to our provincial policies and services in a manner that best serves all Islanders, with specific strategies that meet the interests of young people in Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

Recognizing that young Islanders want to be engaged and involved in the decisions affecting them, the Youth Futures Council, a province-wide advisory body, will act as the “voice” for Island youth. Council members will assist the Province in informing strategies on youth retention and attraction, engagement with Island communities, and the development of youth-oriented services.

“The relationship between our Province and Island youth is crucial to ensuring more young people choose to establish their roots here in Prince Edward Island,” said Premier MacLauchlan. “Establishing this Council is an important step towards creating a culture where youth feel empowered and important, and where they can make meaningful contributions to their province. Young people are the future of Prince Edward Island and they deserve this opportunity to contribute to the province’s vision.”

Once the Council is selected the group will be busy preparing for its first engagement event, a full-day youth summit entitled YDAY which will bring together young Islanders to discuss how PEI can create better opportunities for youth. The Summit is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2016.

The Youth Futures Council will include 12–15 passionate young people between the ages of 16 and 29 years from diverse communities and backgrounds. Members can serve on one-year or two-year terms. Council members will be required to volunteer an estimated 30 hours per year. Members will be required to work collaboratively and seek input from their peers to provide wider input in selected areas.

Applications for the Youth Futures Council will be accepted through Engage PEI until August 25, 2016. The Youth Futures Council is led by the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning.

For more information on the Youth Futures Council, contact Sarah Bulman at srbulman@gov.pe.ca or (902) 368-4229.

Media contact:

Sheila Kerry

Senior Communications Officer

Workforce and Advanced Learning

902) 620-3688

slkerry@gov.pe.ca