Sudbury hopes youth advisory panel will foster interest in politics

Starting next year, Greater Sudbury will have its first youth advisory panel.

The goal is to encourage interest in politics at an early age and hear some of the concerns that young people have.

Starting next year, Greater Sudbury will have its first youth advisory panel. The goal is to encourage interest in politics at an early age and hear some of young people's concerns. (Photo from video)

Consisting of one person per ward, a total of 12 representatives ages 13-18 sit on the youth advisory panel.

It will be led by Ward 7 Coun. Natalie Labbee and Ward 5 Coun. Mike Parent.

"The goal here is to be able to engage with the youth on current issues that council is dealing with," Parent said.

"But also turn to the youth and ask them, what are some of the current issues or some of the issues they'd like to see elevated to council?"

Labbee said she came up with the idea after she was first elected, reflecting on the importance of mentors in her own life.

She said the panel will involve a diverse mix of students, hoping it will lead to youth retention in the city.

"We (want to) engage them at an early age, get them involved, get them excited about the opportunities, let them know that we're listening to their concerns," Labbee said.

"I think that's the most important part, that they will be invested in staying in Greater Sudbury."

All-time low

Yanick Proulx has extensive experience in politics at just 18 years old. If he's selected for the panel, Proulx said he would raise awareness of the importance of voting for young people.

"Last general election -- it was a provincial election -- the numbers were at an all-time low," he said.

"I bring a sort of experience working both with federal and provincial parties and during elections … I bring that skillset here to help the youth here to get more engaged."

Samuel Sweet said he has aspirations of one day becoming a mayor, a premier or even the prime minister.

The 16-year-old applicant said politics is his passion.

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"There's a lot of things that I see in the community, like accessibility issues where, youth, you know, they have to ride their bikes along a highway with no sidewalks," Sweet said.

"Stuff like on climate change, for example, the city has been doing something, but it's not enough to actually get to net zero by 2050."

Successful applicants will be appointed to the advisory panel after the Holidays and will hold their first meeting with councillors sometime in January, where they will put together an agenda for the year.