Williams Lake Tribune
Seven Grade 10, 11 and 12 students from both Columneetza and Williams Lake secondary were officially sworn in as the first junior council of Williams Lake at a city council meeting early last month. The program is modelled on a similar one that originated in Clearwater.
The students, originally recommended by staff from both schools, swore their oaths of office in front of city council members and the public.
The program was initiated after councillors Natalie Hebert and Geoff Bourdon attended a UBCM meeting. There, they learned about a similar program in Clearwater, and thought the idea was a good one.
The students will organize and hold meetings twice a month, and will ensure there is always at least one junior council member at City council meetings.
"The purpose of the junior council is to encourage youth involvement in City politics and gain a youth viewpoint in the activities happening in our city," said Coun. Hebert, who spearheaded the program.
"This is the generation that will be taking over."
"Our job is to get the input of youth in the community," said Ana Lomavatu, Grade 10 student at Columneetza. "By having youth on council, the City can gain input and get students to learn more about the government and involve themselves before they start voting."