Innovative solutions
Olympic champion, panelists and youth share innovative solutions for growth on P.E.I.
It was a day of opportunities at the third annual YDAY summit for P.E.I. youth held on Saturday in Stanley Bridge. During the event, participants held a panel discussion talking about accessible year-round public transportation, reducing emissions by holding industries accountable, inspiring more youth into the arts, creating leadership events, to forming a local food procurement policy for all government institutions.
“What would you do if you were the premier of P.E.I. for a day?” This was one of the questions raised in a panel discussion during the third annual YDAY, a summit for P.E.I. youth, held at Stanley Bridge Country Resort on Saturday. Responses during the panel discussion ranged from accessible year-round public transportation, reducing emissions by holding industries accountable, inspiring more youth into the arts, creating leadership events, to forming a local food procurement policy for all government institutions. Panelist Adam MacLean pursues land stewardship through pasture lambing in South Melville. He hopes local farms will be connected to government institutions such as schools, hospitals and manors so vulnerable groups can benefit from high-quality nutrient food. “These are groups that deserve and often don’t have access to the highest quality of nutrition… Parents could use the break from packing the school lunches, which could be hastily done, and some may not have the economic means to pack a truly nutritious lunch,” he said. MacLean said that since hospitals are a place of healing, they should also include nutritious local food in their programs. “I remember visiting my grandmother in the hospital and bringing in food for her,” said MacLean. “A government investment in nutritious locally sourced food would have so many benefits.” His list included a positive land impact, boost to the economy while also creating healthier choices and lives. “There is a long list that has been implemented from the past year, so we are excited to see what comes out from today,” shared Christina MacLeod, one of the organizers with the firm Volume 18 that helped facilitate YDAY 2018. “The event is an opportunity to discuss ideas, potential solutions and then partner youth aged 16 to 34 with stakeholders, as well as government officials to see if there have been changes.” Nouhad Mourad, one of the event’s 72 attendees said YDAY gives youth “not only a voice to be heard, but also amplified.” Three-time Olympian champion Heather Moyse was also one of the panelists and shared her message of people often being capable of much more than they think. “My keynote touches on mindset and perspective – the ability to shift your perspective in order to still see the possibilities that exist regardless of whatever challenges you are facing or obstacles that are seemingly standing in your way to achieve your goal.” The two-time gold medalist wished those in attendance the courage to make decisions, to have perspective, perseverance, and creativity to think outside the box, as well as believe that it is possible. Since last year’s YDAY event, 17 recommendations have been considered by the provincial government. These recommendations include internet for rural P.E.I., connecting newcomers to potential employers, repatriation to encourage Islanders living away to come home, expanded student financial support, expansion of the community service bursary and more. Although the panelists came from all different walks of life, when asked why P.E.I. is an ideal place to stay for youth, they all agreed that there’s a tremendous amount of community support.