Apply for join new Bay of Quinte Youth Council

Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for the riding of Bay of Quinte, is inviting youth from the ages of 15-24 to apply to the new Bay of Quinte Constituency Youth Council (CYC).

“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has said that ‘young voices must be part of our decision making process’, said Ellis, who is launching the initiative to bring together 10 to 20 young people from the Bay of Quinte riding to engage youth and hear their perspectives on priority issues and interests.

“People have often said that our youth are disengaged from the political system. I say that it is politicians that have failed to engage youth,” said Ellis. “I am proud to have the opportunity to reverse this trend and work with youth in our community to reinvigorate an interest in politics and inspire the next generation of Canadian leaders.”

The Bay of Quinte Youth Council will accept applications until Friday, Sept. 30 at midnight. Ellis notes the CYC will be inclusive and youth will be recruited from local schools, neighbourhoods, and associations.

Once selected, the council will meet several times throughout the year to discuss a number of issues that could include climate change, access to employment, LGBTQ issues, peacekeeping, and other topics that matter most to the community.

“The CYC will positively affect local young people in a number of ways. Youth can network with the other participants, better understand and participate in the Canadian political process, and build on the experience to help them develop valuable career skills.”

In addition, Ellis hopes he will learn about the views, values, and priorities of youth in the region and be an effective voice and advocate for local youth.

To apply, applicants must complete and submit a short application form, available at MP Ellis’s official website at www.nellis.liberal.ca.