Youths could soon have a direct say on Sturgeon County operations through a proposed new committee.
Sturgeon County council passed first reading of a bylaw to establish a youth advisory committee on April 12.
Sturgeon County currently has a Youth Council made of volunteers aged 12 to 19 who provide leadership and social activities for youth. County council backed a motion from Coun. Kristin Toms March 22 to bring forth a law to create a committee where youths would advise councillors on youth issues.
The draft bylaw proposes that this committee consist of two councillors and 11 youths aged 16 to 24 from diverse backgrounds, with a councillor and a youth serving as co-chairs. Members would serve two-year terms and advise council and administration on youth-related issues. The group would be separate from the current Youth Council, which would continue to promote social activities for young people.
Coun. Neal Comeau said council might want to add a junior member aged 12 to 16 to this committee similar to the one on the County’s agricultural service board. Toms and Mayor Alanna Hnatiw suggested having ongoing representation from Alexander First Nation on it.
Toms said this group could give future leaders insight into governance and give council a window into youth perspectives.
“I’m looking forward to getting this going and hearing what our youth have to say.”
The bylaw will return for second reading in May.
