Two from Pictou County going to job shadow on Parliament Hill
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) are once again partnering to host the fourth annual YOUth In Office: Job Shadowing Day On Parliament Hill and give young people a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience.
Approximately 100 youth and MPs will spend the workday together as part of a joint initiative to inspire young people to become more engaged citizens by exposing them to politics and the democratic process in Canada.
Two local youth from Pictou County will participate — Skye Harb a current Little Sister, along with Renée Campbell, a Big Sister.
Margie Grant-Walsh, executive director of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, says, “We are so excited to participate once again in this event. Both Skye and Renée will bring a wonderful perspective from Pictou County and we should be proud they are representing us in Parliament. They will work with our local MP, Sean Fraser, who will be involved with the event as well. It is such an amazing opportunity for them which doesn’t happen every day.”
Recent polling shows that a strong majority of Canadians believe that young people have too little influence on public policy in this country. YOUth In Office puts these young people on a path to building that influence.
“At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe every Canadian youth should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, as individuals and as citizens,” said Peter Coleridge, president and CEO of BBBSC. “Events like YOUth In Office are, in essence, mentoring opportunities, which build confidence in young people and result in positive outcomes in mental health, employment, inclusion and civic engagement later in life.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to improving educational and career outcomes for all youth. Before spending the day with MPs, participants take part in a preparation day that will include a meet and greet, media training, networking, and skill-building.
For more information, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/ youth-in-office or follow the #YouthInOffice hashtag.