In an uncertain world, good things are happening, especially amongst our youth.
I witnessed this energy at the Black Lives Matter rally in Cobourg, where our youth spoke eloquently and respectfully on the democratic principles that we hold dear.
I would also like to draw your attention to a recent announcement made by Premier Doug Ford, Todd Smith, the minister of children, community and social services, and Jamil Jivani, Ontario’s advocate for community opportunities. Together, they have unveiled a plan to support young people in communities across Ontario through a new advisory group called the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity (PCEO).
The PCEO will bring together an intergenerational and cross-sector membership group between the ages of 18 to 29 and adults with community organizational expertise and not-for-profit groups, education and government services. Individuals with expertise and experience on the economic and social barriers facing young people when it comes to education, skills, training and employment can apply at https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Agency/629 by Thursday, June 18.
During our 2020 strategic planning process, council discussed the importance of our youth, our need to listen to them and understand their issues so that we can better engage with our secondary schools.
While we’ve been sidetracked with COVID-19, it’s time to circle back to that objective. Youth engagement will be the topic at our next general government services meeting, to evaluate how our council can connect with youth as we look ahead to a new school year.
Recently, a Cobourg student sent me an email to encourage me to invite our youth to the council table, to establish an ongoing dialogue and work collaboratively on community issues.
This email gave me hope. I can tell you that this was not only a conversation worth having, but also one that I am excited to continue.
To our youth: We need your viewpoints, your ideas and your vision for what you believe our town and world can be.
To our 2020 graduates, while it is only natural to be disappointed, it is my hope that what we are all going through helps you find your focus, strengthens your values and maybe even gives you a glimpse of your life’s work. Congratulations!
— Mayor John Henderson, Town of Cobourg