Three 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.

Hamza Dari, 15, Eya Ibrahim, 17, and Dacian Filipescu, 17, all from Victoria, were appointed to the 18-member council. The inaugural council received more than 250 applications.

“It’s incredible to see so many young people wanting to help build a fairer and stronger B.C., including Hamza, from right here in Victoria-Beacon Hill,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Congratulations and thank you to Hamza, Eya and Dacian, for stepping up to be a voice for young people on Vancouver Island.”

Dari has been recognized for his leadership in his school through the Service Excellence and Principal’s Shield awards. He has supported his community in many ways including fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society. Dari is proud that his petition to the provincial government to re-examine the feasibility of restoring passenger service on the E&N Railway was introduced to the legislature.

Ibrahim is passionate about urgent climate action, increasing representation of Indigenous, Black and people of colour, and socioeconomic equality. She has organized school-wide fundraising initiatives, advocates for more diversity in the high school curriculum and runs the environment club.

Filipescu is a passionate advocate for climate change, housing as a basic human right and accessibility and universal access for people with disabilities to live as independently as others. He has given presentations to the City of Victoria Accessibility Working Group and the Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Summit. As a young person living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Filipescu wants to help make sure the young leaders council represents the diversity of people in B.C.

“From a young age, I have had a passion for social issues,” said Filipescu. “With my appointment to the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council, I will have the ability to put forth changes I want to see in my community. I’m excited to get to work with my colleagues to make B.C. a better place to live.”

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 Vancouver Island 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 on the Island 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