Lethbridge MP gives opportunity for youth voices to be heard

Rachael Thomas, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, has launched the application process for her 2024/2025 Youth Advisory Board.

This opportunity is open to all youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who live in the Lethbridge riding, which includes the County of Lethbridge, Coaldale, Picture Butte, Nobleford, Barons, and Coalhurst. Applicants do not need to be experts in policy! They just need to be curious and committed to learning.

“This is my eighth year of hosting a Youth Advisory Board. When I was elected as the Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, I made it my mission to empower young people by giving them a voice at the table. We need young people to take responsibility for their communities, engage in productive conversation on the topics that matter most to them, and offer their energy and creativity with unrelenting fervency.” MP Thomas said.

Eight youth from the Lethbridge riding will be selected to participate in this year’s Youth Advisory Board, which will run from September 2024 to June 2025.

The board will meet once a month, during which time members will have the opportunity to share their perspective on federal legislation and the big issues impacting Canadians. The agenda is determined by the youth members themselves and each person will have the opportunity to grow in leadership by chairing a meeting.

When asked to reflect on her current Youth Advisory Board, MP Thomas offered “it’s been exciting to watch the members grow in confidence and take leadership. They’re keen to offer their perspective and ask courageous questions. We’ve had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, including the carbon tax, environmental policy, international relations, mental health, and many others.”

This is a non-partisan opportunity, meaning that youth of all political backgrounds are welcome to apply. Those who successfully complete their term on MP Thomas’ Youth Advisory Board will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of commendation.

Those who are interested in being considered for this unique opportunity must submit their application online by Friday, March 15th, 2024.

The application can be found at MP Thomas’ website: www.RachaelThomas.ca

Photo by Ryan Dahlman POWERFUL: The Parkside Pythons junior highAbasketball team hosted the Medicine Hat Christian School in Redcliff “A” level league action Feb. 7. The Warriors beat the Pythons in a hard fought game. Here, centre Tyson Jaeger (in headband) strips the ball away from Warriors’ top scorer Shepherd Schindel.