Two young local leaders have been named to the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council and will provide direct and ongoing feedback to government on priorities and policies that matter to youth.

Damon Robinson, 23, and Prabhnoor Sidhu, 16, both from Prince George, were appointed to the 18-member council. The inaugural council received more than 250 applications.

Robinson is a Gitxsan man who has been involved with student government and advocated for students from high school through to college level. Robinson is passionate about addressing issues including mental health, poverty and job security.

“I am excited to be taking this step toward helping improve our province and be part of a team that will help make our communities a better place to live,” said Robinson. “Everyone has a voice, and it is encouraging that our province is taking the opportunity to listen to me and the other great members of the council.”

Sidhu is a 2021 alumna of the SHAD Carleton program for high-potential senior high school students selected for their remarkable problem-solving capabilities, as well as their community involvement and creativity. She is a strong advocate for protecting the environment and addressing the challenges of climate change.

“I am very excited to be on the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council and for the opportunity to give my perspective on challenging world problems,” said Sidhu. “I am looking forward to working with other young leaders to find ways to creatively solve important problems and make British Columbia a better place for everyone now and in the future.”

The council will be chaired by Brittny Anderson, the premier's special adviser on youth. They will discuss issues that matter most to young people in areas such as education, employment, income, mental health and the environment. Issues affecting Prince George and the surrounding communities will also be brought forward to the council table.

"I'm looking forward to working with these remarkable young people to hear first-hand what is needed in Prince George and the surrounding communities to help improve their lives and opportunities," said Anderson. "These young leaders represent some of the most community-minded young people in our province. Their input will make a difference for their peers and communities, now and for generations to come."

Council members will serve one-year terms with the option to remain on the council for up to three terms. The first meeting is planned for spring 2022 and will be held quarterly.

"I'm glad to see the diversity of our province reflected in the membership of our first StrongerBC Young Leaders Council," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. "The pandemic has exposed inequalities that we can't ignore. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work with the council to tackle the pressing issues they care about, including building an economy that works for more British Columbians in every corner of our province."

The StrongerBC Young Leaders Council supports the B.C. government's commitment to an inclusive, innovative and sustainable economic recovery for everyone who lives in B.C.

Learn More:

Find out more about the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/economic-recovery/youth/young-leaders-council

Read the biographies of StrongerBC Young Leaders Council members:
https://www.bcpublicsectorboardapplications.gov.bc.ca/s/tribunaldetail?boardNum=A-24243