Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge MP Dan Ruimy wants to get more youth involved in the federal political process.
He notes that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said “young voices must be part of our decision-making process.
Ruimy has invited anyone from the age of 15-24 to apply to the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge Youth Council, and the close of applications is Sept. 30.
That mirrors the prime minister’s own youth council that is being formed.
Ruimy has done several town hall events in the riding. One on climate change attracted about 65 people,electoral reform brought 120, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership about 75.
He considers these turnouts as making the events worthwhile, but also noted that there was a lack of youth involvement.
He would like to change that.
“You’ve got to engage them now, not when there’s an election,” he said.
So he wants to do more with youth, and listen to what they have to say. Ruimy has visited local schools, including classes as young as grades 5 and 6.
“They are so engaged. They know what’s going on, and they’re asking all sorts of questions,” he said.
The new youth council will include young people from different schools, neighbourhoods and local associations, and will meet several time throughout the year to discuss issues that matter to young people.
The Liberal.ca website looks at issues that matter to youth, including jobs, environment, education costs, LGBTQ2 equality and marijuana legalization.
Ruimy will attend more meetings focused on youth in the future, but ultimately hopes his involvement will not be the impetus.
• There is an online application process. There is a link from Ruimy’s web page:http://druimy.liberal.ca/page/cyc/
