Member of Parliament’s Youth Advisory Council
Terms of Reference
Purpose: The Member of Parliament’s Youth Council is a group of young constituents that provides non-partisan advice to the Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni on issues of importance to them. The Council is a means of supporting the MP’s commitment to listen to young people in the riding and to engage them in dialogue.
The Council provides a unique platform for youth to influence the MP’s work by expressing themselves in their own voice.
Council members are expected to provide input on particular topics based on:
- Their school, work and life experience:
- Input from other youth in their communities; and
- Their research and volunteer experience.
The Member of Parliament is the chair of the Council, and a Youth Council member selected by majority vote will become the vice-chair.
Background:
Courtenay- Alberni MP Gord Johns has consistently advocated for youth involvement and the opportunity for young people to have a stronger voice in politics. He believes this is important as he states, “big decisions are made for young people, and they don’t get to give their feedback on decisions made today about the world they’ll inherit.”
MP Johns asks that the Youth Advisory Council members will encourage community-oriented and involved youth in Courtenay-Alberni to become members and be more politically engaged through expressing themselves in their own way.
MP Johns regularly seeks input from constituents through community town halls, round table meetings, and feedback mailers to all households in the riding. He believes that the interests of the youth are unique and require additional methods of hearing from them.
1. Roles:
1.1. Identify issues within the riding and formulate policy ideas for creating positive change.
1.2. Provide a means for youth in Courtenay-Alberni to influence the policy work of the Member of Parliament.
1.3. Contribute to the development and evaluation of policies, programs, and initiatives affecting the youth population, offering recommendations and suggestions.
1.4. Recommend activities in the riding that promote youth engagement, empowerment, and community involvement.
2. Responsibilities:
2.1. Attend all Youth Council meetings and abide by the meetings' rules of order.
2.2. Maintain regular communication with other council members
2.3. Adhere to the Code of Conduct
3. Y.A.C Membership:
3.1. Eligibility: The Youth Advisory council is open to any youths between the ages of 16-22 who live within the riding of Courtney-Alberni.
3.2. Requirements:
- Passionate about youth empowerment
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work well in a team
- Ability to commit to meetings and contribute to council activities
- Participate actively in discussion and activities and contribute to the YAC’ s initiatives.
3.3. Term: Each selected member’s term shall be 8 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional term.
4. Y.A.C. Meetings:
4.1. Chair: MP Gord Johns will preside over all Youth Advisory Council meetings as the Chair. He will be assisted by a Vice-Chair chosen by majority vote by Council members.
4.2. Rules of Order: Roberts Rules of Order.
4.3. Frequency of Meetings: Y.A.C Meetings will occur every 3 months and members are expected=
4.4. Location of Meetings: Three meetings per year will be conducted on Zoom; and one meeting will be in-person and zoom.
4.5. Attendance: Members are expected to attend and participate in regular meetings.
4.6. Minutes: The Y.A.C meetings will be 90 minutes long with breaks in between.
5. Appointment of Council members.
5.1 Members will be selected upon review of applications by the Member of Parliament with the assistance of his parliamentary staff.
5.2. The MP’s YAC acknowledges and pay respects to the Indigenous peoples of the land on which we work and operate. In the spirit of reconciliation and respect, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that actively welcomes and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples.
5.3. The Council is committed to gender and diverse equality. Regardless of your gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and/or disability, you are encouraged to apply and be part of our inclusive community.
5.4. Every effort will be made to ensure representation from all areas of the riding.
6. Code of Conduct: The Youth Advisory Council recognizes the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment that upholds high standards of conduct and professionalism. All members are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:
- Treat all other members with respect, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and/or disability.
- Foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes equal opportunities for all members.
- Uphold confidentiality when required and respect privacy rights.
- Value and respect different opinions and viewpoints, engaging in constructure and inclusive discussions.
- Fulfill commitments and responsibilities within the Youth Advisory Council to the best of one’s ability.
- Adhere to the policies, rules, and guidelines established by the Y.A.C.
By adhering to this Code of Conduct, members contribute to a positive and inclusive environment that promotes the goals and objectives of the Youth Advisory Council, fostering personal growth and collective impact within the youth community.
7. How to become a member: To become a member, please fill out the following questions and express your interest in becoming a member of the Youth Advisory Council and why you would be a valuable addition to the team in the "Comments" section up above.
If you are selected to proceed, you will be contacted for an interview.
The application deadline is November 15th, 2023.