The Manitoba Government is encouraging the engagement of the next generation and the environment by accepting applications for the Youth Advisory Council on Climate.

The Youth Advisory Council on Climate is the government's attempt to fight against climate change by offering opportunities for today's youth to be part of making a difference. Youth from Manitoba are being invited to apply to be part of the next cohort of the Youth Advisory Council on Climate.

"Young people have valuable ideas on mitigating climate change and our government recognizes the tremendous value of their forward-thinking perspectives," says Jeff Wharton, the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Parks in the media release. "On Youth and Future Generations Day at COP27 — the United Nations conference on climate change — the Manitoba government is pleased to announce applications are now open for the next cohort of the Youth Advisory Council."

To be eligible to apply to be part of the next cohort, applicants are to:

  • Be between 15 and 29 years old as of January 1, 2023.
  • Represent the diversity of Manitoba.
  • Contain knowledge about issues related to the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan.
  • Show an interest in environmental issues and community engagement.
  • Show the capacity to be able to engage in respectful, open discussion and be tolerant of conflicting viewpoints.
  • Not be employed by the Manitoba Government.

Applications are due at midnight on November 30, 2022. The new cohort is expected to take place in January 2023 and will serve on the Youth Advisory Council on Climate for a one-year term, until January 2024.

The Youth Advisory Council receives its mandate from and reports to the minister’s Expert Advisory Council on the Climate and Green Plan. This independent group will then collaborate on new ideas, advice, and recommendations to the minister on implementing the climate and green plan in such areas as climate mitigation and adaptation, low-carbon economy, transportation, and energy.

Beginning in September 2019, Minister Wharton says that the past two cohorts have provided critical thinking for the future and created several key strategies and recommendations on Manitoba youth's perspective on climate change. The youth council of the last two years has also given input to the Expert Advisory Council's recommendations on green transportation and a provincial water strategy.

For more information on the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan and to apply for the Youth Advisory Council visit https://manitoba.ca/climateandgreenplan/yac.html.