Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors have decided to postpone changing terms of reference for advisory committees that would establish voting positions for youth.
The unanimous decision came following discussion at a Feb. 27 corporate and administrative services committee, where staff had recommended that the terms of reference on all advisory committees be changed to create up to two voting positions per advisory committee for youth between the ages of 15 and 18.
During discussion, Elphinstone director Donna McMahon referenced a letter, added late to the agenda, from Agricultural Advisory Committee member Raquel Kolof, which enumerated several reasons why she thinks recommendations were “highly inappropriate.”
“The purpose of these committees is to advise and inform the Regional District, not to teach youth about civic politics,” read the letter. Kolof suggested youth participation should be encouraged through internships and through engagement at school, or through non-voting membership on committees.
McMahon acknowledged that advisory committees comprise experts and “it’s probably not appropriate for [youth] to be voting, or asking them to be making decisions on matters they don’t know much about.” She also pointed out that the committees hadn’t yet been consulted.
Roberts Creek director Andreas Tize agreed with McMahon. “I know it will be an educational experience, but I think even a non-voting member can raise their arguments and convince the rest of the committee to vote in their favour,” he said.
Staff clarified that advisory committees only make non-binding resolutions since they are not an elected body.
Area F director Mark Hiltz supported the recommendation for students to vote. “As a board … we have the ultimate authority. Is there a risk? Maybe there’s a slight risk. I’m willing to take the risk,” he said, adding the roles would encourage participation in politics.
In the end, directors voted to hold off changing terms of reference and for staff to “continue to collaborate with School District No. 46 to develop an outreach process to recruit, encourage, and facilitate youth involvement, including an implementation plan to address potential barriers to youth participation.”
Chair Lori Pratt also mentioned that Gibsons student councillor, Eilis Mackenzie, is expected to suggest another option at an upcoming committee meeting.
