The first ever Pontiac youth council convened at the MRC office in Campbell’s Bay on Jan. 21, to introduce themselves and lay the groundwork for their upcoming term.
The group, ranging in age from 14 to 18 and representing all local municipalities, assembled themselves around the table in the Elsie Gibbons room like their counterparts on the MRC’s regional council. The guest seating was packed with local officials and parents.
Pontiac Warden Jane Toller addressed the group and explained that she had personally spearheaded the project by advocating for the council at both local high schools.
She explained that the group will meet the third Monday of every month, and will elect an executive at their next meeting on Feb. 25.
Toller added that she will serve as a resource person for the council.
She presented a list of priorities that the student representatives had brought up, such as improving cellular and internet service, recreational facilities and public transportation.
“We know that some of you are in very isolated areas where the populations aren’t so large,” she said. “Some of you see each other at school but then on weekends, you’re a bit isolated, so this is really bringing the Pontiac together.”
Each youth council member was introduced and given a MRC Pontiac pin by a representative from their respective municipality.
Speaking after the meeting, several members of the youth council noted that they had some experience on student council at either Pontiac High School or Sieur du Coulonge.
McKenna Richardson, representing Clarendon, said that her priorities were increased access to jobs for youth, as well as activities and sports leagues.
Monica Tanguay, representing Shawville, said that she hoped to advocate for her peers at a regional level.
“I think our voices are really important because of how young we are and how I think we can help young people whose voices aren’t heard here,” she said.
Patrick Pépin, representing Mansfield, said that he would support improved transportation for the region.
“One of my issues is public transportation; because we don’t have as much as the city … we’d like to have it more developed in the Pontiac,” he said.
by Caleb Nickerson
