Young Leaders Council

The StrongerBC Young Leaders Council is an opportunity for young British Columbians to share their expertise and lived experience with the provincial government. Their input will help shape government policies and services on topics that include employment, the environment, mental health supports, affordability and other areas.

Last updated: December 13, 2021

On this page: 

• What it's like to be a council member
• How the council works
• Eligibility

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What it's like to be a council member

Council members:

• Discuss and share thoughts and ideas on topics that impact youth now or in the future
• Share their vision with the Premier's special advisor on youth
• Have their voice heard and help influence government decision-making
• Meet other young leaders who are interested in making improvements to B.C.
• Gain experience for future opportunities

Current members

The first StrongerBC Young Leaders Council was announced on December 13, 2021. 

• Read member biographies

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How the council works

The council meets regularly to discuss and provide input on issues that are important to young people.

• The Premier’s special advisor on youth chairs meetings and serves as a point person for young people across government
• Council members can also raise topics for discussion that are of interest to them
• The special advisor returns the council's input back to government for consideration​

Council rules

Members play an active role by getting involved in discussions or projects. They:

• Share input and ideas based on their lived experience and expertise
• Work with other council members respectfully to reach agreement in their feedback and advice to government

Members attend all meetings and events that are assigned

Regular council meetings are:

• Held four times per year
• Two to four hours long
• Held in-person or online

If travel is required to attend in-person meetings, pre-approved travel expenses are paid back.

Members commit to being on the council for a 1-year term

After one year is complete, a member can choose if they want to continue working with the council for a maximum of up to three terms.

Members keep information confidential

Members agree to a code of conduct that includes keeping discussions and shared ideas confidential.

Members work on a voluntary basis

This is a volunteer-based council. There may be exceptions for members to be paid if they would experience financial hardship from working with the council.

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Eligibility

A future intake is expected as existing members complete their terms. New members will be selected with the goal of representing all regions of the province as well as the diverse backgrounds and experiences of young people in B.C. No previous experience is required.

Applicants must:

• Be 14 to 26​ years old. That means the applicant is not older than 26 and not younger than 14 on January 1 of the year of application
• If under 19, consent must be provided by the applicant's parent or guardian
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be a resident of B.C.
• Be able to commit to a 1-year membership