Young people across Canada are often on the front lines of fighting climate change and building more sustainable communities. As Canada moves toward developing a sustainable and inclusive net-zero economy, creating space for youth perspectives is essential to delivering sound public policy for generations to come.
Today, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced at COP15 the launch of Natural Resources Canada's first Youth Council, reaffirming the Government of Canada's commitment to protecting nature and biodiversity and recognizing the importance of engaging and hearing from youth on climate and natural resource issues.
During its one-year mandate, the 12-member Youth Council will study and share its perspectives on the country's most pressing climate and natural resource issues, including policies related to:
decarbonizing transportation, including through zero-emission vehicles;
restoring nature, including through tree planting;
energy efficiency, including green buildings;
just transition with sustainable jobs; and
Indigenous partnerships and economic reconciliation.
Members of the Council will provide their lived and learned perspectives to the Minister and senior officials to inform and support policy processes while gaining valuable experience and learning from their peers on the council.
The Natural Resources Youth Council provides an opportunity for young people from across Canada to reflect on a sustainable and inclusive future for our natural resources while developing valuable skills and experience.
