Call for applications

Overview

Young people in Canada are leading the charge toward a cleaner future.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is looking for young people in Canada between the ages of 18 and 29 to become a member of the next Environment and Climate Change Youth Council (ECCYC) by applying to an anticipatory selection process. The Youth Council, will be an excellent opportunity for passionate young people in Canada to help drive change on some of the country’s most important environment and climate issues.

Members of the ECCYC have the unique opportunity to provide non-partisan advice to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the department. They gain skills and experience that will help start or develop their careers and expand their networks among youth and environment and climate leaders.

The next Youth Council, which will consist of up to 12 young people, will meet virtually at least every three months. Youth Council members can expect to spend about five hours per month on Council-related activities. Successful applicants will be appointed by the Minister for two-year terms.

This will be a volunteer position. Youth Council members will not receive any gifts, honoraria, or payment. ECCC will pay for or reimburse eligible travel expenses related to official in-person meetings and potential other conferences and events, subject to ECCC approval. Efforts will be made to hold one in-person meeting during the Council members’ two-year term.

Overview of the application process

• Step 1: Complete the online application before the deadline of April 26, 2024.
• Step 2: Complete the online assessment – Respond to written questions and record a video to answer interview questions. The deadline for Step 2 will be provided after April 26, 2024.
• Step 3: Submit references and complete of security checks for shortlisted candidates.

See the How to apply section for more details.

The next Youth Council will be chosen among candidates who successfully complete steps 1 through 3.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need help applying, please contact the ECCYC Secretariat at Environment and Climate Change Canada: ECCYouthCouncil-ConseildesjeunesECC@ec.gc.ca

Related links

• Environment and Climate Change Youth Council
• Canada’s Youth Policy
• State of Youth Report
• Net-Zero emissions by 2050
• Canada’s Nature Legacy
• 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan
• Canada’s Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution
• Science Horizons Youth Internship Program

You are encouraged to apply for the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council anticipatory recruitment process if you are:

• passionate about the environment and climate change
• between the ages of 18 and 29 on October 1, 2024
• a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council membership will aim to reflect the diversity of Canada’s population with respect to regional representation; Indigenous identity; gender identity; linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity; and all abilities and life experiences.

Interested candidates can apply between March 14 and April 26, 2024.

Step 1: Complete the online profile

Deadline: 11:59 pm Pacific Time on April 26, 2024

Create your online profile on jobs.gc.ca and complete the online application before the deadline of April 26, 2024.

All mandatory questions must be completed. You should plan to spend approximately one hour preparing your online profile and application. This step can be completed in French or English.

Shortly after the application closes on April 26, 2024, you will receive an email with instructions for completing the VidCruiter application. VidCruiter is an interviewing and recruiting platform where you will be asked to respond to questions in writing and record and video to answer interview questions. 

Step 2: VidCruiter online application - written questions, and pre-recorded interview

Deadline: The deadline for Step 2 will be provided after Step 1 of the application closes on April 26, 2024.   All candidates must complete this step.

You will be asked to answer written questions about your experience, including examples of the following:

• teamwork
• leadership skills
• experience working or volunteering with a not-for-profit, Indigenous, or local organization based in Canada
• knowledge of climate-related issues
• time management and problem-solving skills

You will also be required to record a video to answer interview questions that demonstrate your communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and commitment to climate action and environmental protection.

Step 3: References (through VidCruiter) and Security Checks

Following Step 2, only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit 2 references on the VidCruiter platform. References will be contacted, and security checks will be completed before the final selection of Youth Council members is  made. 

For your application to be considered, please complete all items in Step 1 by April 26, 2024. A deadline for items in Step 2 will be provided after April 26, 2024. Any applications received after the application deadlines will not be considered. We will only accept applications submitted via the outlined platforms above. For assistance, please contact the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council Secretariat at:

• ECCYouthCouncil-ConseildesjeunesECC@ec.gc.ca

Personal information and privacy

Information collected in this process is in accordance with the Privacy Act as described in Government of Canada’s Privacy Policy and Notice.

The confidential information provided in this application will be used to:

• select members of the Council
• service statistical, research, evaluation, and reporting purposes (e.g. number of applicants, from which locations, etc.).

The personal information provided in your application may be shared with other Government of Canada institutions in accordance with subsection 8(2) of the Privacy Act and will only be accessed by those parties directly involved in the above activities.

Contact us

If you have any questions or issues accessing the application form, please contact us at:

• ECCYouthCouncil-ConseildesjeunesECC@ec.gc.ca

Selection process

Applications will be screened to ensure the candidate meets basic eligibility requirements outlined in the “Who can apply” section.

To be considered for membership in the ECCYC, your application must show that:

• You have knowledge of environmental and/or climate change issues in Canada or your community.
• You are actively involved (or have recently been involved) in the activities of a not-for-profit, Indigenous, or local organization based in Canada.
• You can work effectively as part of a group or team.
• You can manage your time effectively.
• You are skilled at problem-solving.
• You have strong interpersonal skills.
• You have effective communication skills
• You have demonstrated leadership skills.
• You are fluent in either English or French.

Priority will be given to candidates that reflect the diversity of young Canadians with respect to regional representation, Indigenous identity, gender identity, linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity, all abilities and life experiences. Youth from every Canadian region and lived experience are encouraged to apply.

How you will be notified of the results

Environment and Climate Change Canada ( ECCC) will notify successful and unsuccessful applicants by email once a selection of shortlisted applications is made.

Q1: Who can apply to the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council?

• Eligible applicants include youth who are:
• passionate about the environment and climate action
• between the ages of 18 and 29 on October 1, 2024
•  Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• There is no formal education requirement for this opportunity. Applicants do not need to have completed high school, college or university to apply.

Q2: What are the benefits of joining the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council

• By joining the Youth Council, you will get:
  • opportunities to provide non-partisan advice to the Minister and senior officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada to help shape Canada's environment and climate policies
  • skills and experience to build or advance your career and expand your networks
  • the chance to work alongside a group of motivated young leaders from across Canada with a potential opportunity to meet with Council members in person once per term.
  • potential opportunities to represent the Council at domestic and international conferences and events.

Q3: What will be the composition of the Council?

• The Council will consist of up to 12 young people in Canada who will be members for two years.
• The Council’s membership aims to reflect the diversity of young people in Canada across a number of areas including Indigenous identity; gender identity; linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity; regional diversity; and all abilities and life experiences.

Q4: What are the roles and requirements of the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council and its members?

• The Youth Council will provide non-partisan advice on environment and climate issues to the Minister and senior officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada.
• Youth Council members may have the opportunity to represent the Council at domestic and international conferences and events.
• In order to participate in the Youth Council, members are required to:
  • meet virtually at least once every three months, with the potential for one in-person meeting per two-year term
  • prepare for official meetings by reviewing meeting materials in advance and contributing their perspectives during meeting discussions
  • prepare written advice following engagement sessions and submit an end of cohort report by the end of the two-year term
  • sign a volunteer agreement and abide by the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Values and Ethics Code.

Q5: How will applications be screened?

• Step 1: Applicants will be screened based on the completeness and accuracy of their online profiles, and whether they meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must ensure all mandatory questions are answered and the required information is provided.
• Step 2: Applicants will be screened based on their written assessment and a self-recorded video answering interview questions to ensure the assessment criteria outlined in the job posting are met.
• Step 3: Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide two references. References will be contacted, after which shortlisted candidates will go through a security screening before a final selection decision is made. 

Priority will be given to candidates that reflect the diversity of young people in Canada across a number of areas including Indigenous identity; gender identity; linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity; regional representation; and all abilities and life experiences.