Members in action

Members of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council (PMYC) provide advice to the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and government officials on issues that matter to them and all Canadians. They shed light on the challenges we face as a country through formal meetings, written submissions, videos and other media. Find out more….

Council meetings

2024

• March 21: Consultation with the National Advisory Council on Poverty and a new initiative from Canada Service Corps

  • Scott MacAfee, Chairperson of the National Advisory Council on Poverty accompanied by Sylvie Veilleux, member responsible for children’s issues, consulted the council to receive their perspectives on how to reduce poverty in Canada. Suggestions included breakfast programs for school children, increased intergovernmental collaboration to support housing, and addressing grocery store waste to better support food banks. Members also highlighted related challenges impacting Indigenous peoples and rural communities, among concerns.
  • Annik Beaudry, Director General, Youth Service and Learning Directorate at Employment and Social Development Canada led a consultation on CSC Connect, a new initiative under the Canada Service Corps program. Members shared perspectives on the proposed strategy and how to increase youth volunteerism in Canada. Ideas included better promotion of the program, a streamlined application process, enhanced opportunities for skill development, and youth involvement in the process. In addition, suggestions included supports to address accessibility issues for marginalized youth.

  Guests

  • Scott MacAfee, Chairperson, National Advisory Council on Poverty
  • Sylvie Veilleux, Member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues, National Advisory Council on Poverty
  • Annik Beaudry, Director General, Youth Service and Learning Directorate, Learning Branch, Employment and Social Development Canada

• January 17: Pre-Budget 2024 Consultation and Expanding the Canada’s Free Agents Program

  • Andrew Bevan, Chief of Staff for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Finance Canada, led a pre-budget consultation to receive council members’ input on the issues they would like to see reflected in the 2024 federal budget. Suggestions ranged from measures to address affordability and housing, scientific research, career supports for youth, and infrastructure development in the north, among other issues.
  • PMYC member Noah Campbell led a consultation on a potential expansion of the Government of Canada’s Free Agents Program to include a pool of qualified youth applicants who are not already public servants. Members shared their perspectives on what barriers they experienced pursuing employment with the Government of Canada and whether they see this program as a method of enhancing their career growth.

  Guests

  • Andrew Bevan, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Department of Finance Canada

2023

• November 16: Focus on the federal budget process and Expo 2025 in Japan

  • In collaboration with two colleagues from the department’s Young Professionals Network, Deputy Minister of Finance Canada, Chris Forbes, provided a learning session to members on the federal budget process. This session was intended to prepare members for their participation to a pre-budget consultation planned in January.
  • The Director General for Canada’s participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, Laurie Peters, sought members’ ideas on ways to make the Expo Canada Pavilion engaging and meaningful to young people. Suggestions from members included showcasing Canada’s distinct cultures, artificial intelligence creativity, and tech entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas. Some projects are already underway in partnership with Japan.

  Guests

  • Chris Forbes, Deputy Minister, Department of Finance Canada
  • Grace Torrie and Danielle Lucier, members of the Young Professionals Network, Department of Finance Canada
  • Laurie Peters, Director General, Canada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, Global Affairs Canada

• August 27 to 29: Meeting with the Prime Minister and various officials in Ottawa

  • The first in-person meeting for members of Cohort 6 – and the eleventh in-person meeting since the inception of the PMYC – the Council met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and numerous senior officials to discuss and share policy perspectives on a wide range of issues that affect all Canadians.
  • Members provided youth perspectives, advice and counsel on issues such as climate change and the environment, Reconciliation with Indigenous people, public health, Sustainable Development Goals, youth engagement in policymaking, affordable housing and cost of living, mental health, immigration and transitional housing for new Canadians, 2SLGBTQI+ priorities, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

  Chair and Vice-Chair

  • The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and PMYC Chair
  • The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and PMYC vice-chair

  Guests - Ministers and Parliamentarians:

  • The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
  • Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament, Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development

  Senior Government Officials:

  • Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
  • Frances McRae, Deputy Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
  • Chantal Marin-Comeau, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Services Policy Branch at Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Dr. Jonathan Dewar, Director General and Vice President, Collections, Research, Exhibitions, and Repatriation at the Canadian Museum of History
  • Robert Crampton, Executive Director, Youth Secretariat at Canadian Heritage
  • Deliah Bernard, Indigenous Affairs Advisor to Canada’s Prime Minister

  Other Esteemed Guests:

  • Claudette Commanda, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa and Algonquin Elder
  • Stephanie Peltier, Sacred Water Carrier

• June 20: Cohort 5 end-of mandate and conversation on the new Online Streaming Act

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien celebrated the accomplishments of Cohort 5 members as they ended their two-year mandate on the Prime Minister’s Youth Council (PMYC).
  • Over the course of their mandate, Cohort 5 members shared their ideas, perspectives and advice with the Government in numerous areas that matter to them, including:
    • National Pharmacare
    • Reconciliation
    • Elimination of racism
    • Integration of newcomer youth
    • Access to funding opportunities by racialized communities
    • Youth access to sexual and reproductive health and rights
    • Free, culturally appropriate, and safe mental health supports for all
    • Addressing the opioid crisis
    • COVID-19 vaccine uptake among youth
  • Representatives from Canadian Heritage also discussed with the Council Bill C-11 (Online Streaming Act) that became law by receiving Royal Assent on April 27, 2023. This will ensure that social media platforms and streaming services are subjected to Canadian content requirements and regulations comparable to traditional broadcasters.

  Guests

  • The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and PMYC chair
  • The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and PMYC vice-chair
  • Amy Awad, Director General, Digital and Creative Marketplace Frameworks, Canadian Heritage
  • Yao Ahonda, Manager, Digital and Creative Marketplace Frameworks, Canadian Heritage

• May 25: The Council advises on the future of Canada’s immigration system

  • The Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Christiane Fox, sought the Council’s perspectives about how immigration policies and programs can support a shared vision for Canada’s future, and how we can work together to make that vision a reality.
  • Council members acknowledged key gaps in the current system and made suggestions to improve immigration in Canada, including:
    • Run marketing campaigns domestically and overseas to promote fields in demand (i.e. cybersecurity, mental health).
    • Enhance the pre-arrival services for new immigrants.
    • Ensure that remote and rural areas have the appropriate infrastructure and support to effectively welcome immigrants.
    • Support communities so they can help immigrants settle in their new environment.
    • Re-think foreign credential recognition in Canada so international students and immigrants can integrate the workforce earlier.
  • This session was one of many held in Canada by IRCC to shape an immigration system that is easy to navigate, adaptive to change, and beneficial to communities across the country.

  Guests

  • Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
  • Louise Baird, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Immigration Review, IRCC
  • Jordan Thompson, Director, Engagement, Strategic Immigration Review, IRCC
  • Mathilde Bourgeon, Policy Analyst, Strategic Immigration Review, IRCC
  • Frances McRae, Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth

• March 30: Focus on the G7 Youth Summit and the Exchanges Canada program

  • Canada’s G7 Youth Summit delegates – selected by Young Diplomats of Canada – consulted the Council on the following policy areas in preparation for their participation in the Summit held from April 7-13 in Tokyo:
    • Economic resilience
    • Environment
    • Digital innovation
    • Global health
    • Peace and security
  • Council members emphasized several priority actions in these areas, including equitable access to education, helping young immigrants get the work experience they need in Canada, and developing environmental policies in collaboration with youth most impacted by climate change such as Indigenous youth, youth from the North, and young farmers.
  • Officials from Canadian Heritage also sought the Council’s perspectives on the Exchanges Canada program. This program helps youth enhance their knowledge and understanding of our country, while connecting with other young Canadians. Council members highlighted the importance of the program and provided ideas to further its reach among diverse youth communities.

  Guests

  Young Diplomats of Canada

  • Sydney Whiting, Communications Coordinator/Climate/Peace and Security
  • Sarah Rozon, Head Delegate/ Economy
  • Heather O’Watch, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator/Health
  • Pentcho Tchomakov, Engagement Coordinator/Digital

  Canadian Heritage

  • Marie-Josée Beauchesne, Director, Youth Participation Directorate
  • Julie Marion, Program Policy and Liaison Manager, Youth Participation Directorate
  • Mackenzie Stone, Senior Program Analyst, Youth Participation Directorate

2022

• November 3: The Council advises on online harm and immigrant women in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

  • The Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, sought Council members’ perspectives on harmful online content. The federal government is consulting stakeholders across Canada to inform its efforts to regulate online harm.
  • Members shared their perspectives on the following:
  • Cyber bullying
  • Influence of harmful content on teenagers’ opinions and emotions
  • Impact of platform algorithms pushing negative content online
  • Accountability of online service providers
  • Potential penalties for harmful platforms
  • Members also met with TechGirls Canada, a not-for-profit innovation lab that supports women’s labor market integration in STEM fields. The discussion focused on the barriers highly skilled immigrant women face in finding employment in STEM fields.
  • TechGirls invited the Council to join their efforts in raising awareness of the untapped economic potential of immigrant women in STEM.

  Guests

  • Ron Ahluwalia, Director of Policy, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
  • Julie Harb, Policy Analyst, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
  • Saadia Muzaffar, Founder, TechGirls Canada
  • Thao Pham, Strategic Advisor, TechGirls Canada, and former Deputy Minister, Privy Council Office

• August 28 to 30: Meeting with the Prime Minister and various officials in Ottawa

  • At its first in-person meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – and its tenth in-person meeting since its inception – the Council met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and various officials to advance a wide range of issues.
  • Members addressed Canada’s climate change targets, issues affecting Black communities, foreign credential recognition (especially in health care), as well as the implementation of national pharmacare.
  • They also shared their perspectives on youth mental health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights with Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien and other officials.
  • Other topics were covered, including the pandemic recovery, the integration of newcomer youth, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
  • These discussions led to several follow-ups with elected and senior government officials to further advance the Council’s priorities.

  Guests

  • The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and PMYC Chair
  • The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and PMYC vice-chair

  Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries:

  • The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board
  • The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
  • Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
  • Jenna Sudds, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

  Senior Government Officials:

  • Frances McRae, Deputy Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
  • Eric Bélair, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Branch, Health Canada
  • Cindy Moriarty, Director General, Health Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Health Canada
  • Robert Crampton, Executive Director, Youth Secretariat
  • Natacha Vairo, Senior Manager, Policy and Research, Youth Secretariat

  Other Guests:

  • Dr. Eric Hoskins, Chair of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare
  • Dalya Kablawi, Network Coordinator, Stakeholder Relations, Mental Health Commission of Canada
  • Ubah Mohamoud, Youth Council Member, Mental Health Commission of Canada
  • Garrett Molner, Youth Council Member, Mental Health Commission of Canada
  • Jason Oliver, Director, Stakeholder Relations, Mental Health Commission of Canada

• June 28: Meeting with the Public Health Youth Association and Youthful Cities

  • Representatives from the Public Health Youth Association of Canada (PHYAC) sought the Council’s feedback on implementing a Health in All Policies approach in Canada.
  • Members advised on how best to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach to the federal government and other stakeholders.
  • They also gave extensive feedback to representatives from Youthful Cities on the Real Affordability Index they created to evaluate the cost of everyday life in 27 Canadians cities for youth aged 15 to 29.
  • In particular, they provided advice on the type of data Youthful Cities needs to target actions that will truly help young people survive and thrive in Canadian cities.

  Guests

  • Jacqueline Rintjema, Co-Director, PHYAC
  • Maham Tariq, Co-Director, PHYAC
  • Sophia Gabriel, Assistant Director, PHYAC
  • Fadumo Diriye, Senior Data Analyst, Youthful Cities
  • Elise Pundyk, Assistant Manager, Operations, Youthful Cities

• May 30 to 31: Focus on health with elected and government officials

  • Members shared their perspectives on a wide range of youth mental health issues with Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. They covered topics such as mental health apps, mental health first aid training, culturally safe supports, peer to peer counselling, free mental health services for all, and youth-led awareness campaigns.
  • Youth representatives from the mental health organization Jack.org and Council members discussed how to support each other’s work on youth mental health.
  • Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, and Council members spoke about the need for more research on long COVID, the links between health and the environment, the promotion of preventive care, and the priority of addressing inequities in Canada’s healthcare system.
  • Members also provided feedback to the Public Health Agency of Canada on their School Health Grant Youth Program.
  • Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, provided insights on national pharmacare and the need to attract local people in the North to healthcare professions.

  Guests

  • The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
  • The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health
  • Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
  • Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
  • Eric Windeler, Founder and Executive Director, Jack.org
  • Shane Green, VP Programs, Jack.org
  • Clayton Murphy, Youth Network Advisor, Jack.org
  • Ezechiel Nana, Quebec representative, Jack.org
  • James Christie, Policy Advisor, Youth, Office of Minister Ien
  • Jaspreet Pandher, Special Assistant, PMO
  • Cathlin Poirier, I/Senior Program Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Deepika Sriram, Policy Analyst, Public Health Agency of Canada

• April 28: The Council advises on the National Plan on Combatting Hate

  • The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat (ARSEC) consulted the Council on the first ever National Action Plan on Combatting Hate. The plan will give a voice to those with lived experience of hate and integrate the unique reality of communities from coast to coast to coast.
  • Members suggested:
    • Creating programs that enable research on restorative justice versus punitive justice when hate crimes are committed
    • Ensuring that the federal government applies an anti-racism lens to all of its programs
    • Reporting on progress made in a concrete way when addressing hate crimes
    • Supporting school programs that celebrate all cultures from a very young age
  • ARSEC led consultations across the country in April 2022 to inform the development of the National Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

  Guest

  • Peter Flegel, Executive Director, Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat (ARSEC)

• March 24: Consultations on taxes for youth and Canada Day

  • The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sought the Council’s feedback on a social media strategy intended to demystify taxes for youth.
  • Members commented on the content, tone, format, branding and accessibility of the information currently online. They also recommended that CRA co-create social media content on taxes with youth-led organizations.
  • Canadian Heritage sought members’ insights on Canada Day to help shape this annual celebration in a way that resonates with diverse youth.

  Guests

  • Karine Goneau-Lessard, Director, Marketing, Canada Revenue Agency
  • Lori Fraser, Assistant Director, Marketing, Canada Revenue Agency
  • Sabrina Ruta, Manager for Benefits Outreach Modernization, Canada Revenue Agency
  • Melanie Brault, Director of Capital Celebrations and Program Operations at Canadian Heritage

• February 11: Budget 2022 consultation with the Prime Minister

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien held a pre-budget consultation with the Council.
  • Members shared their perspectives, lived experiences and advice on the issues they would like to see addressed in Budget 2022, ranging from national pharmacare and youth mental health to substance abuse and affordable housing. They also shared stories about the groups most affected by the pandemic, particularly LGBTQ2+ and racialized youth.
  • The Council’s insights will help the government target its youth programs and services to the young Canadians who need these the most.

  Guests

  • The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and PMYC chair
  • The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and PMYC vice-chair

• January 27: Focus on harnessing the power of social media

  • Council members benefitted from a social media workshop led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Canadian Heritage. They discussed the potential of new social media tools and how they could amplify their voices on their own social media channels.
  • Members also held a planning session where they discussed in more detail the priorities they wish to address as a Council over the next six to nine months.

  Guests

  • Amanda Gordon, Senior Communications Advisor, ESDC
  • Jessica Lacombe, Communications Officer, ESDC
  • Maureen van Dreumel, Senior Communications Advisor, Canadian Heritage

2021

• December 16: A conversation with Minister Marci Ien and the Orléans Youth Council

  • This was the final meeting for members of Cohort 4 as they completed their mandate on the Prime Minister’s Youth Council.
  • PMYC vice-chair and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien acknowledged the many achievements of Cohort 4 on issues like the diabetes epidemic in Canada, high-speed internet access for all, communication with youth during COVID-19 and access to mental health supports for marginalized youth.
  • Members also met with the Orléans Youth Council to discuss their respective priorities.

  Guests

  • The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and PMYC vice-chair
  • Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans
  • Stephen Blais, Member of Provincial Parliament for Orléans
  • Members of Orléans Youth Council

• November 25: Meeting with Statistics Canada and Elections Canada

  • Statistics Canada sought the Council’s comments on an upcoming youth engagement chapter for the Portrait of youth in Canada: Data report. This report regularly provides information on a variety of issues that impact the lives of Canadian youth, based on the 6 priority areas outlined in Canada’s Youth Policy.
  • At the Council meeting, guests from Statistics Canada listened and responded to Council member thoughts and recommendations. Members commented on gender diversity, demographics terminology and data disaggregation, and reiterated that the report should be inclusive so that all youth can see themselves within it.
  • Elections Canada also shared a presentation on how they are engaging with young voters and addressing the barriers to their participation in elections.

  Guests

  • Steve Trites, Director, Centre for Social Data Insights and Innovation, Statistics Canada
  • Martin Turcotte, Acting Assistant Director, Centre for Social Data Insights and Innovation, Statistics Canada
  • Paula Arriagada, Research Analyst, Centre for Social Data Insights and Innovation, Statistics Canada
  • Rachel Collishaw, Pedagogical Advisor, Elections Canada
  • Sharmila Biswas-Mistry, Senior Outreach Officer, Elections Canada
  • Jannine Atkinson, Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Elections Canada

• October 28: Meeting with Children First Canada

  • Children First Canada (CFC) sought the Council’s feedback on the Raising Canada 2021 (PDF format) report, the fourth in an annual series that tracks the top 10 issues for children across the country.
  • The 2021 edition sheds light on the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on children and provides recommendations to the Government of Canada.
  • Council members shared their perspectives on report recommendations such as appointing an independent commissioner for children and youth, lowering the voting age, and establishing a child and youth budget.

  Guests

  • Sara Austin, CEO, CFC
  • Mégane Jacques, Chair of CFC Youth Advisory Council

• September 28: Consultation on youth vaccine uptake

  • The Public Health Agency of Canada consulted Council members on vaccine uptake among young people across the country. Members commented on and made suggestions regarding the barriers to vaccination; the effectiveness of efforts currently being made; and further opportunities for government to engage with youth as well as young frontline and essential workers, including messaging and online, youth-focused platforms.
  • Members also discussed a wide range of issues they would like to focus on during the next 6 to 12 months: health; support to marginalized communities; support for Indigenous communities; housing, infrastructure and transport; measuring success on youth issues; and COVID-19 recovery. This fall, they will further prioritize these issues and decide which to address as a Council, in small groups or individually.

  Guest

  • Sunny Uppal, Executive Director, Partnerships and Engagement, COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Task Force, Public Health Agency of Canada

• July 29 to 30: The Council welcomes new members

  • This was the first meeting that brought together the current Council cohort with new members.
  • Council members discussed their goals with Minister Chagger and how their experiences during COVID-19 shaped their views on what the government should prioritize moving forward.
  • They shed light on several barriers that could prevent Canadian youth from contributing to society and made recommendations to overcome these barriers, including in the areas of mental health supports, access to housing, youth empowerment and Indigenous health.
  • The Council also discussed how to leverage Canada’s first State of Youth Report in their efforts to amplify youth voices and advocate for change.
  • Members also participated in 2 learning sessions: one on meaningful youth engagement, delivered by the organization Apathy is Boring, and the other on media relations.

  Guests

  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Habon Ali, PMYC alumni and Board Chair of Apathy is Boring
  • Taghairm Habib, Youth Friendly program lead, Apathy is Boring
  • Elder Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
  • Elder Verna McGregor, an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
  • Prime Minister’s Youth Council Counsellor Patricia Smith
  • Jessica Ward-King, Senior Analyst, Youth Secretariat, Canadian Heritage
  • Amy Mills, Chief, Media Relations and Issues Management, Canadian Heritage

• June 17: Focus on Canada’s State of Youth Report

  • Council members discussed the upcoming contents of Canada’s first-ever State of Youth Report with the Youth Advisory Group that led its development, and shared ideas on how they could bring attention to the report and influence change.
  • Minister Chagger emphasized the merit of promoting the Report in the public sphere and encouraging youth to take action. She added that the report’s recommendations touch on various levels of government and require a collaborative approach.

  Guests

  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Youth Advisory Group co-chairs Jake Bradshaw and Alfred Burgesson, and member Janda Jandal Alrifai

• May 27: The Council advises Canada's Commonwealth Youth Forum delegates

  • Canada’s Commonwealth Youth Forum delegates—Leah Davidson from Sherbrooke, Québec and Mesgna Mesgna from Winnipeg, Manitoba—consulted the Council on the following six themes in preparation for the 2021 Forum in Kigali, Rwanda:
    • Governance, Rule of Law and Youth Involvement in Decision-Making
    • Human Capital Development
    • Trade, Entrepreneurship and Employment
    • Information Communication Technology (ICTs) and Innovation
    • Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability
    • Health and COVID-19
  • Council members stressed the importance of helping youth build an entrepreneurial mindset from a very young age and suggested measures that could foster youth entrepreneurship.

  Guests

  • Leah Davidson, Canada’s Commonwealth Youth Forum delegate
  • Mesgna Mesgna, Canada’s Commonwealth Youth Forum delegate

• April 29: Inaugural meeting of three youth groups

  • Council members had a rich discussion with the Youth Advisory Group working on the first ever State of Youth Report. The report delivers on commitments made in Canada’s Youth Policy and focuses on issues that matter to youth such as health and wellness, the environment and reconciliation. They provided insights on how to maximize the impact and visibility of the report.
  • This was also the first time that Council members consulted with the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council. They discussed the importance of agriculture in relation to the environment, the economy and the future of Canada.
  • The last part of the meeting focused on the content of Budget 2021. Council members highlighted investments that were of particular interest to them, including funding for diabetes research, affordable and accessible internet, the creation of the new Canada Water Agency, and Black and women entrepreneurship.

  Guests

  • Aaron Taylor, Prime Minister’s Youth Council alumnus
  • Jake Bradshaw and Alfred Burgesson from the Youth Advisory Group on the State of Youth Report
  • Jerry Bos, Pal Hryck, Guillaume Pasquier and Denis Bégin, Canadian Agricultural Youth Council

• March 25: Focus on the needs of youth with disabilities

  • Chief Commissioner Marie-Claude Landry, and her colleagues, led an engaging consultation with Council members, seeking their perspectives on issues faced by young people with disabilities in Canada.
  • Council members shared what they consider to be priority issues for youth with disabilities, including: increased accessibility to public spaces; inclusivity by design from the get go; accessible and affordable internet; changes to programs or regulations that address gaps impacting people with disabilities; and support for youth with disabilities who are at risk of incarceration.
  • The Council’s input will influence how the Canadian Human Rights Commission monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in Canada.

  Guests

  • Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • Tabatha Tranquilla, Acting Director, Policy, Research and International Division, Canadian Human Rights Commission

• February 25: The Council advises on the new Canada Water Agency

  • Minister Jonathan Wilkinson consulted the Council on the new Canada Water Agency, which is being created to improve freshwater management across Canada.
  • Council members recommended setting up an advisory structure for the new agency that recognizes and harnesses regional expertise. They also asked how the new agency would collaborate with Indigenous people to address freshwater crises in their communities.
  • Minister Wilkinson indicated that, as a next step, Environment and Climate Change must engage further with Indigenous communities. He added that the new agency presents opportunities for youth to be involved in freshwater management and research.

  Guest

  • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

• February 17: Council members add their voice to pre-Budget 2021 consultations

  • Minister Mona Fortier met with the Prime Minister’s Youth Council to hear their ideas about how Budget 2021 can support young people through the pandemic and beyond.
  • Council members emphasized that Budget 2021 must prioritize foundational issues such as truth and reconciliation, affordable and accessible broadband for youth, support for women and racialized entrepreneurs, and affordable housing.
  • They also focused on priorities that would support youth in the area of health and wellness, including access to affordable mental health services; targeted supports for youth living with a disability; implementation of an affordable, equitable and national pharmacare program; and funding for the implementation of a new nationwide diabetes strategy based on the Diabetes 360˚ framework.

  Guest

  • Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance

• January 28: Focus on vulnerable youth during COVID-19

  • Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) sought the insights of the Council on social isolation experienced by youth at risk in their respective communities.
  • Council members confirmed that vulnerable youth lost access to the services and supports they urgently require during the pandemic. They emphasized that the lack of public transportation in rural areas has exacerbated this issue. Without their safety nets, these youth are at a greater risk of experiencing substance abuse, emotional distress and other health-compromising situations.
  • Council members suggested different ways to help youth at risk while leveraging existing resources from community organizations; for instance, providing safe injections sites with resources on mental health to connect youth suffering from addition with other social programs.
  • The perspectives of the Council and other stakeholders will help ESDC prioritize where funds are allocated to mitigate the impact of social isolation experienced by youth in these challenging times.

  Guests

  • Monika Bertrand, Director General, Social Innovation and Community Development, ESDC
  • Susan MacPhee, Director, Social Programs, ESDC

2020

• December 9: Justice Canada engages the Council on the Privacy Act

  • Minister Bardish Chagger conveyed her gratitude to Council members for their work and leadership during the pandemic. She also relayed appreciation on behalf of the Prime Minister and her Cabinet colleagues.
  • Officials from the Department of Justice participated in the meeting to solicit Council members’ feedback on their work to modernize the Privacy Act.
  • Members asked a number of questions and provided input to representatives for the Department of Justice. Their specific interventions focused on parameters surrounding the use of personal data; the use of artificial intelligence to analyze data; public trust in Government; and what efforts could lead to transparency, ensuring Canadians understand how their personal data is being used and protected.

  Guests

  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Carolina Mingarelli, Director and General Counsel, Department of Justice
  • Andrea Bailer, Counsel, Department of Justice
  • Jennifer Schofield, Executive Director, Treasury Board Secretariat

• November 17: Consultation on corporate board diversity

  • Minister Navdeep Bains held a consultation with the Council on the 50/30 Challenge to diversify corporate boards; an initiative between the Government of Canada, business, not-for-profits, the public sector, and diversity organizations, to improve access for underrepresented groups to positions on corporate boards and in senior management.
  • With Minister Bains, Council members discussed the importance of culture change, empowering organisations by providing them with the tools they need to ensure real diversity within their boards, and using policy mechanisms to encourage women and minority groups to pursue careers at the senior management level.

  Guest

  • Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

• September 25-26: Meeting with the Prime Minister

  • This was the final meeting for members of Cohort 3, as they completed their mandate on the Prime Minister’s Youth Council.
  • Council members discussed a wide range of topics with the Prime Minister, including: social inequities in Canada; the dispute between the Mi’kmaw and the non-Indigenous commercial fishing community in Nova Scotia; the minimization of domestic extremism in Canada; and the closure of Clinic 554 – a family practice in Fredericton that offers services and support for marginalized communities.
  • Council members shared a wide range of perspectives on sustainable development with the Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. Their comments were largely inspired by their Build-Back-Better letter to the Government of Canada on an equitable and sustainable COVID-19 post recovery.
  • Members stated the urgent need for affordable and accessible internet for Canadians, particularly in remote and rural areas. They addressed their concerns directly with Minister Maryam Monsef.
  • Suggestions on COVID-19 messaging for youth were provided to Lucie Vignola, Director General, COVID-19 Whole of Government Strategic Communications.

  Guests

  • Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
  • Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)
  • Lucie Vignola, Director General, COVID-19 Whole of Government Strategic Communications, Health Canada
  • Krista Campbell, Director General, Connect Canada Branch, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

• August 10: Preventing victimization in Canada

  • The Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Heidi Illingworth sought the Council’s feedback on their national social media campaign for preventing victimization in Canada.
  • Council members discussed the social determinants of violence and suggested that the campaign have a broader scope. They recommended that the campaign also address the issue of those who victimize youth and how to prevent violence amongst young people.
  • Council members shared their concerns in regards to marginalized communities and discussed the risks of perpetuating stereotypes. They recommended that support and funding be made available to communities to develop programs to support victims, address the issue of victimization, and provide mental health resources.

  Guests

  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)
  • Heidi Illingworth, Ombudsman, Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
  • Nadia Ferrara, Executive Director, Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

• June 26: Meeting with the Prime Minister

  • Council members discussed anti-racism and prejudice within Canada and globally with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members.
  • This theme aligned with a letter the Council sent to the Government of Canada entitled “Canadian Anti-Racism Calls to Action”. In this letter, Council members call for fundamental changes in the country by proposing a series of calls to action and recommendations.
  • Council members also had the opportunity to share their perspectives on over incarceration and justice system reform; systemic racism in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); and the need to rebuild trust between the RCMP and racialized communities.
  • Other topics covered at the meeting included: social development inequalities and household support programs for racialized communities; the need for greater diversity on corporate boards; and a conversation with the Chief Statistician of Canada who briefed Council members on disaggregated data and the impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable Canadians.

  Guests

  • Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
  • Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
  • Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
  • David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
  • Anil Anora, Chief Statistician of Canada, Statistics Canada
  • Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage
  • Peter Flegel, Director of the Anti-Racism Secretariat, Canadian Heritage

• June 4: Anti-racism and Canada Student Service Grant

  • Minister Bardish Chagger opened the discussion by sharing her concerns on the presence of racism south of the Canadian border, but also in Canada, and her personal experiences with racism growing up.
  • Council members shared their perspectives on the issue and covered the following topics:
    • The lack of trust that exists in institutions, with elected officials and senior government officials.
    • The need for greater inclusion of Black history in provincial education curriculums.
    • Privilege and unconscious bias.
    • Overrepresentation of racialized communities in the prison system.
  • Council members were also given the opportunity to share their suggestions and concerns about the new Canada Student Service Grant with representatives from Employment and Social Development Canada. They emphasized the importance of making sure that meaningful jobs and work opportunities were accessible to students of all socio-economic backgrounds, from all regions of Canada.

  Guests

  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage
  • Peter Flegel, Director, Anti-Racism Secretariat, Canadian Heritage
  • Ritu Banerjee, Director General, Skills and Employment Branch, Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Jonathan Spassov, Director of Communications, Employment and Social Development Canada

• May 7: Gun violence and youth employment during COVID-19

  • Minister Bill Blair flagged the many contributions the Council has made thus far to the discussions on the impact of gun violence on Canadians. Council members shared their perspectives with the Minister regarding:
    • Social determinants of health and their link with gun violence
    • The importance of dissociating gun violence and gang issues
    • The presence of gun violence in their communities
    • The link between gun violence and violence against women
    • Gun control laws and policies
  • Council members shared their insights with Minister Carla Qualtrough on the measures the Government is implementing to alleviate the strain of COVID-19 on youth.

  Guests

  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)
  • Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
  • Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

• March 27: Meeting with the Prime Minister

  • Council members shared their concerns with the Prime Minister on the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable youth. They emphasized the need for young people in rural areas to have high-speed internet access to carry on with their education. They also highlighted the lack of health care resources in Nunavut to handle a COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Parliamentary Secretary Darren Fisher provided the Council with an overview of the Government’s response to the pandemic. Council members offered their perspectives on the current situation and discussed the need for clear, accessible data and information on COVID-19; a disability tax credit to alleviate increased financial burden on Canadians managing chronic illnesses; and increased access by Northern communities to adequate screening, testing and treatment.
  • Communications around COVID-19 were discussed in great length at the meeting. Lucie Vignola, Director General of the COVID-19 Whole of Government Strategic Communications, sought input from Council members on best practices and platforms for effectively reaching youth in these trying times. Members shared their ideas and outlined how they can be allies in helping Health Canada amplify their messages to youth in Canada.

  Guests

  • Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Vice Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
  • Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)
  • Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
  • Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister, Diversity, Inclusion and Youth and Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage
  • Charles Slowey, Assistant Deputy Minister, Community and Identity, Canadian Heritage
  • Lucie Vignola, Director General, COVID-19 Whole of Government Strategic Communications, Health Canada

2019

• July 31-August 2: Meeting with the Prime Minister and various officials in Iqaluit

  • The Council welcomed new members at its ninth in-person meeting in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
  • Council members met with the Prime Minister to discuss the revitalization and protection of Indigenous languages, the impact of local infrastructure projects, entrepreneurship, connecting to the North, social media regulations, and Indigenous tourism, among others.
  • Council members shared their perspectives with the Prime Minister on how the government could better engage with youth in Northern rural and remote communities, promote Indigenous tourism, and tackle food insecurity.
  • Council members met with community leaders and local youth as they learned about the benefits and challenges of living in Canada’s North.
  • The Council participated in a service activity where they helped prepare service at a local food center and discussed with local youth the impact of community-based projects and volunteering. Members drew from local cultural experiences to inform their discussions.

  Guests

  • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
  • Peter Schiefke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Youth) and Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction
  • Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth, Privy Council Office
  • Adam Arreak Lightstone, Member of Nunavut Legislative Assembly for Iqaluit – Manirajak
  • Madeleine Redfern, Mayor of Iqaluit

  Government Officials from:

  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
  • Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces

  Representatives from:

  • Arctic Food Bank
  • Canadian Rangers and Junior Rangers
  • Embrace Life Council
  • Iqaluit Qajuqturvik Food Centre
  • Islamic Society of Nunavut
  • Kakivak Association
  • Pinnguaq Association
  • Polar Outfitting
  • Qaggiavuut Society
  • Travel Nunavut Industry Association

• May 2-3: Canada Youth Summit – a rendez-vous between 300 young leaders from coast to coast to coast

  • Discussion at the Summit focused on key topics identified as priorities by youth during the Canada Youth Policy and Canada Service Corps consultations in 2018, such as health and wellness, employment, gender equality, environment and climate change, and reconciliation.
  • The Summit was an unprecedented opportunity to engage youth on issues of importance to them, highlight the importance of youth service while inspiring youth to serve their communities, and showcase youth-centered approaches to digital engagement.
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as Minister of Youth, launched Canada’s first Youth Policy.
  • The Prime Minister also announced the expansion of the Canada Service Corps – a signature Government of Canada program that gives young Canadians the opportunity to participate in meaningful volunteer service projects that have positive impacts in communities across Canada.

  Visit the Summit’s website for more details.

• January 15-17: Meeting with the Prime Minister and various officials in Sherbrooke

  • Council members met with the Prime Minister to discuss environmental policies, Indigenous rights and reconciliation in the context of land disputes, as well as the development of the Canada Youth Summit.
  • Council members shared their perspectives with the Prime Minister on innovating government engagement with youth, promoting Indigenous tourism, and tackling pollution.
  • Council members engaged with ministers, government officials and guest panelists to discuss promoting linguistic rights and services, improving remote food security, reducing gun violence, eliminating plastic pollution and supporting international education opportunities for youth.
  • The Council also met with local youth groups to discuss community-based projects.
  • Highlight video – Prime Minister’s Youth Council meets in Sherbrooke, QC

  Guests

  • Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development
  • James Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
  • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
  • Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
  • Peter Schiefke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Youth) and Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction
  • Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth, Privy Council Office
  • Simon Madore, Mayor of Coaticook
  • Dr. Michael Dixon, University of Guelph
  • Monika Rumbolt, Youth innovator
  • Andi Sharma, Youth innovator

  Government Officials from:

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Public Safety Canada

  Members of:

  • Dialogue+ Project (Actions interculturelles)
  • Youth Council of Compton-Stanstead and Grand Sherbrooke
  • Youth Council of the Mayor of Coaticook

Reports

Report of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council – Released in 2019, this report shows how the Prime Minister’s Youth Council has influenced policy development since its creation.

Canada Youth Summit Summary Report – Read the summary report of the 2019 Canada Youth Summit