Government announces members of new Youth Advisory Committee 

Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Sandra C. Kelly announced today the names of the 15 youth, four mentors and a communications liaison who will serve on the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Advisory Committee.  "I couldn't be more pleased with the members we have selected. They represent all regions of the province, come from very different life experiences and will bring a valuable and necessary point of view to government," said Minister Kelly. "The final decision on committee make-up was a difficult one. There were more than 130 applications for 15 positions and each and every one of them was highly qualified and would have made a wonderful addition to the committee. But we had to make a choice. We have, however, taken note of all the other individuals who applied in hope we can involve many of them in future youth initiatives in the province." 

The mandate of the Youth Advisory Committee, announced in June of this year, is two-fold. The committee 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 on the committee is for a two or three year term.

"I am looking forward to this weekend's meetings here in Gander, to hearing from these young people how they would like to interact and work with my department," said Minister Kelly. "This is, in every way, their committee, they are here to advise government, they will be taken seriously. Government is committed to ensuring that the voice of youth is heard in the province and that, where possible, action is taken on their issues and concerns."

"I am excited and honoured to be selected for this committee," said Bronywn Rideout, committee member. "I am looking forward to bringing my voice to government on issues that affect youth across the province. This is a very exciting time for us all. We need to get to know each other and hopefully make a difference in the direction of youth policy and services in this province. I think it will be a challenging but rewarding position and I look forward to participating in the committee over the coming two years."

The 15 member committee consists of: