NLIS 2
June 13, 2001
(Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education)

Government establishes new Youth Advisory Committee

Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Sandra C. Kelly announced today the establishment of the provincial government's new Youth Advisory Committee.

The mandate of the Youth Advisory Committee is two-fold. The committee, with a membership comprising 15 young men and women aged 15 to 29 and four adult mentors, will provide a forum for the open discussion of key issues affecting the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, the committee will advise the minister of youth services and post-secondary education on government's youth-related programs and policies.

Membership will be representative of all regions of the province, the aboriginal and special needs communities and be gender-balanced. Young people interested in sitting on the committee may submit their names for consideration. Membership is for a two-year term.

"During the public consultations for the Jobs and Growth strategy, the critical importance of education and the development of opportunities for our young people was repeatedly emphasized as a key ingredient for long-term economic success," said Minister Kelly. "We heard that youth need to be given an active role in determining the directions we take and that we need to focus more effectively on the challenges confronting our young people in the new economy.

"Today's announcement of the establishment of the new Youth Advisory Committee shows that government is listening and acting. This is a very exciting time for me and our newly created Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education," added the minister.

"I encourage young people throughout the province to consider membership on the Youth Advisory Committee. This is their opportunity to play an active role in determining the direction of programs and initiatives, particularly those related to post-secondary education, training and employment in our province," said the minister.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2001 06 13                                                  11:05 a.m.