Apply to become next Environment and Climate Change Youth Council Member – Canada

The Youth Council, will be an excellent opportunity for passionate young people in Canada to help drive change on some of the country’s most important environment and climate issues.

Members of the ECCYC have the unique opportunity to provide non-partisan advice to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the department. They gain skills and experience that will help start or develop their careers and expand their networks among youth and environment and climate leaders.

The next Youth Council, which will consist of up to 12 young people, will meet virtually at least every three months. Youth Council members can expect to spend about five hours per month on Council-related activities. Successful applicants will be appointed by the Minister for two-year terms.

This will be a volunteer position. Youth Council members will not receive any gifts, honoraria, or payment. ECCC will pay for or reimburse eligible travel expenses related to official in-person meetings and potential other conferences and events, subject to ECCC approval. Efforts will be made to hold one in-person meeting during the Council members’ two-year term.

What are the benefits of joining the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council

By joining the Youth Council, you will get:

• opportunities to provide non-partisan advice to the Minister and senior officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada to help shape Canada’s environment and climate policies
• skills and experience to build or advance your career and expand your networks
• the chance to work alongside a group of motivated young leaders from across Canada with a potential opportunity to meet with Council members in person once per term.
• potential opportunities to represent the Council at domestic and international conferences and events.

What are the roles and requirements of the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council and its members?

• The Youth Council will provide non-partisan advice on environment and climate issues to the Minister and senior officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada.
• Youth Council members may have the opportunity to represent the Council at domestic and international conferences and events.
• In order to participate in the Youth Council, members are required to:
  • meet virtually at least once every three months, with the potential for one in-person meeting per two-year term
  • prepare for official meetings by reviewing meeting materials in advance and contributing their perspectives during meeting discussions
  • prepare written advice following engagement sessions and submit an end of cohort report by the end of the two-year term
  • sign a volunteer agreement and abide by the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Values and Ethics Code.

Who can apply?

• You are encouraged to apply for the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council anticipatory recruitment process if you are:
  • passionate about the environment and climate change
  • between the ages of 18 and 29 on October 1, 2024
  • a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council membership will aim to reflect the diversity of Canada’s population with respect to regional representation; Indigenous identity; gender identity; linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity; and all abilities and life experiences.

For more information, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).