MOOSE JAW — City council has appointed 12 students to sit on this year’s youth advisory committee, with the group expected to begin its activities in September.
Council unanimously approved the 12 individuals to the advisory board during its Aug. 12 regular meeting. The youths’ terms begin on Sunday, Sept. 1 and conclude on Monday, June 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed.
The dozen youths include:
- A.E. Peacock Collegiate: Kaylee Hogeboom and Lucas Kastning
- Vanier Collegiate: Arlyn Dequina and Maria Pouteaux
- Central Collegiate: Drew Amel and Ben Ansell
- Cornerstone Christian School: Drew Biette and Mateah Purdy
- Riverview Collegiate: Emma Russell and Lexus Schoffer
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Altaf Iqbal Mansuri and Nandinee Barot
- École Ducharme: None
The city clerk’s office contacted each school during the previous school year and encouraged them to forward recommendations of two youths who were interested in joining the advisory committee and who could represent the school, a council report said.
The city clerk’s office received the applications and consent forms from the schools between April and June.
The youth advisory committee consists of 19 voting members, including one council member, two members from each school, two youths at large between 18 and 25 years of age, one youth from an accredited distance-learning school, and one home-school student.
The council report noted that the advisory committee has several responsibilities, such as:
- Endeavour to increase positive public awareness and understanding by youths of local government and assist in developing new outreach and/or communication policies, strategies and programs
- To network with peers and community leaders and to participate in a forum that is open, welcoming and fun
- To provide communication between youths of Moose Jaw and city council that will enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of those youths
- Make recommendations on youth recreational opportunities and community activism
- To identify things in the City of Moose Jaw that are valued by youths, including the things that are considered assets, strengths and opportunities in our community
- To act as a positive advocate and provide leadership experience for youths
- To network with student councils and other youth organizations.
Meanwhile, the group’s expectations include:
- Recognize that the chief role of the City of Moose Jaw is to provide exceptional customer service to customers, citizens, visitors of Moose Jaw and each other
- To create a city of communities, a city that cares about its people, the environment and the opportunities to live, work and prosper
- Recognize the importance of teamwork to provide the best possible service to internal and external customers
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Aug. 26.
