Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are inviting Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25 to apply to become a member of the first ever Environment and Climate Change Youth Council (ECCYC).
Ten Canadians a year will be chosen to sit on the new council in a two-year term. Anyone who permanently resides in Canada or is a Canadian citizen can now send in an application before August 18, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. The council will meet a minimum of four times per year and applicants who get accepted can expect to spend around five hours per month towards their role as council member.
All meetings will be held remotely, except for one annual in-person meeting (for which all travel expenses will be covered).
The volunteer position allows youth to voice their opinions and ideas on different environmental issues and projects in Canada. Topics of discussion in Canada’s fight against climate change include achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and recovering from the environmental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To qualify for this position, the individual must also be a member of a not-for-profit, local community association, or similar organization.
The full list of types of organizations can be found on the Government of Canada website, by searching for Environment and Climate Change Youth Council and then by clicking on the tab ‘Who can apply’.
The only place to apply for one of these ten positions is through the Government of Canada website.
Here is a quick summary of the step-by-step process to apply:
Step 1
The applicant must have an organization willing to nominate them and support their application.
Step 2
After finding an organization to support the application, there is an online form to fill out. The website states it may take up to an hour or two to fill out in its entirety as there are screening questions, self-identification questions as well as a few other steps.
Step 3
The organization supporting the applicant then needs to fill out their nomination form that ECCC will provide after the application is submitted. This form must be submitted by September 8, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time or the application will not be considered.
If you know someone who wants to be involved in making a change for Canada’s climate, this link will provide them with all of the details.