Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, took part in the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council on Thursday.
Earlier this year, Bibeau announced the creation of the Council to help bolster Canada's agenda for agriculture and agri-food while continuing to build diversity across the ag sector.
“Young Canadians in the agriculture and agri-food sector are engaged and passionate. The Youth Council is a significant opportunity for them to be heard and to influence the future of the sector. As the first woman federal Minister of Agriculture, I am increasing the opportunities to give a voice to young people and women, whose contributions are essential to our economic growth and to the vitality of our regions.”
Bibeau met with 25 members from the CAYC to get their perspectives on the future of the Ag sector as well as various other issues from sustainable agriculture to rural vitality, skills and labour, and mental health.
In the next few months, the Council will also meet with policy leaders, as well as senior department officials.
Members will have the opportunity to offer suggestions on government priorities, as well as identify problems and propose solutions on a wide range of important issues.
The 25 members chosen to sit at the table were selected from more than 800 applications received, representing a diverse mix of individuals from subsectors across the agriculture and agri-food sector.
Manitoba's representatives include Easton Sellers and Chantele Gouliquer.
Saskatchewan's representatives include Andrea De Roo, Sameeha Jhetam, and Brent Kobes.
Alberta's representatives include B Pratyusha Chennupati, Carling Matejka, and Colby Robertson.
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