Prince George, B.C.- While the financial details have yet to be developed, the City of Prince George supports in principle the idea of holding a special forum this year for youth.

 

The idea was presented by Councillors Debora Munoz and Garth Frizzell who say young people are very aware of the global environmental, financial and social problems. The two councillors quote a statement by the Institute for Youth, Education and families “Nothing is more important to the health of our democracy than the creative engagement of young people in representative government at the local level.”

 

To that end, they propose there be a “Get Engaged” forum for youth in Prince George to find out from young people how they would like to be involved in shaping the future of the community.

While they anticipate this would be a day long event that would be held at no cost to the City, a more detailed report will come back to Council, outlining the full forum agenda and any associated costs.

 

Although there is no  hard and fast date set with the resolution,  Councilor Garth Frizzell says he would like to see a commitment to moving on  this "We want to see something done" says Frizzell who pointed out  there needs to be some way to engage the young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

 

 

The motion  passed unanimously by Council reads:

 

WHEREAS Northern British Columbia is going through a period of economic change, demographic change and cultural change;

 

AND WHEREAS the City of Prince George seeks to promote an active engaged community, as outlined in the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan;

 

AND WHEREAS the City of Prince George agrees with the statement of the Institute for Youth, Education, and families at the National League of Cities that, “Nothing is more important to the health of our democracy than the creative engagement of young people in representative government at the local level.”;

 

AND WHEREAS there are many community-organized groups within the City of Prince George helping to engage youth in activities, and a variety of youth-related programming supported directly by the City of Prince George;

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Prince George supports in principle, a ‘Get Engaged’ Youth Forum.