Latest news with #youthsummit
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Gen Z Canadians make push for end to hyperpartisanship
Jaden Braves, founder and CEO of the Young Politicians of Canada, poses for a photo in Ottawa on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Catherine Morrison OTTAWA — Hundreds of Gen Z Canadians met in the capital Friday calling for less partisanship at a time of heightened global polarization and uncertainty. Participants from across the country at the first-of-its-kind youth summit joined forces to break 'hyperpartisanship' and push for a future where political parties work together in the country's best interests. 'I think it's about the next generation having the incumbency to take on that challenge of breaking out of this entrapment of this understanding as if party lines are the solution and are the answer,' said 16-year-old Jaden Braves, founder of the Young Politicians of Canada. Braves said between 500 and 1,000 people from across the country took part in the summit virtually or in person. He said there's a strong sense of engagement among youth right now, spurred on by ongoing tensions with the United States. 'Young Canadians are interested in a strong Canada,' Braves said. 'Youth of this generation are recognizing how precious and important our sovereignty and our national identity is.' 'The more involved we are, the stronger a message we send to not just neighbored allies, but to our government.' Young Politicians of Canada, which was formed in early 2023, recently sent a delegation to Washington to receive a briefing from the National Security Council at the White House. Once back in Canada, the group delivered a report to the government about tariffs and security strategies. Meilun Yu, who is from Toronto but is studying at the University of Pennsylvania, was a part of that group. At 18 years old, Yu said it's important to talk to other youth in Canada about current issues because the perspectives of younger people are often ignored. Nineteen-year-old Leslie Iradukunda, who is from Winnipeg and is studying at the University of Ottawa, said the state of Canada-U.S. relations has pushed her to get more involved in politics. During the event, attendees had the chance to voice their opinions on policy issues — like climate change, online safety and civic engagement — and vote on how to shape the Young Politicians of Canada's advocacy. The lineup of speakers for an evening event Friday included the ambassadors for Ukraine, Germany and Estonia, Sen. Marilou McPhedran, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and Speaker of the House of Commons Francis Scarpaleggia. 'I am so inspired by the fact that we've built a national force where thousands of young Canadians can gather, create our guideline and our expectations of how the government is handling policy that's affecting our futures,' Braves said. Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Gen Z Canadians make push for end to hyperpartisanship
Jaden Braves, founder and CEO of the Young Politicians of Canada, poses for a photo in Ottawa on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Catherine Morrison OTTAWA — Hundreds of Gen Z Canadians met in the capital Friday calling for less partisanship at a time of heightened global polarization and uncertainty. Participants from across the country at the first-of-its-kind youth summit joined forces to break 'hyperpartisanship' and push for a future where political parties work together in the country's best interests. 'I think it's about the next generation having the incumbency to take on that challenge of breaking out of this entrapment of this understanding as if party lines are the solution and are the answer,' said 16-year-old Jaden Braves, founder of the Young Politicians of Canada. Braves said between 500 and 1,000 people from across the country took part in the summit virtually or in person. He said there's a strong sense of engagement among youth right now, spurred on by ongoing tensions with the United States. 'Young Canadians are interested in a strong Canada,' Braves said. 'Youth of this generation are recognizing how precious and important our sovereignty and our national identity is.' 'The more involved we are, the stronger a message we send to not just neighbored allies, but to our government.' Young Politicians of Canada, which was formed in early 2023, recently sent a delegation to Washington to receive a briefing from the National Security Council at the White House. Once back in Canada, the group delivered a report to the government about tariffs and security strategies. Meilun Yu, who is from Toronto but is studying at the University of Pennsylvania, was a part of that group. At 18 years old, Yu said it's important to talk to other youth in Canada about current issues because the perspectives of younger people are often ignored. Nineteen-year-old Leslie Iradukunda, who is from Winnipeg and is studying at the University of Ottawa, said the state of Canada-U.S. relations has pushed her to get more involved in politics. During the event, attendees had the chance to voice their opinions on policy issues — like climate change, online safety and civic engagement — and vote on how to shape the Young Politicians of Canada's advocacy. The lineup of speakers for an evening event Friday included the ambassadors for Ukraine, Germany and Estonia, Sen. Marilou McPhedran, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and Speaker of the House of Commons Francis Scarpaleggia. 'I am so inspired by the fact that we've built a national force where thousands of young Canadians can gather, create our guideline and our expectations of how the government is handling policy that's affecting our futures,' Braves said. Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
ABC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE OVER GOLDFIELDS THIS WEEK
19 May 2025 More than 30 students from all six secondary schools in Western Australia's Goldfields region will take centre stage this week as part of the ABC's Takeover Goldfields Youth Summit, running from 19–23 May. The summit is a collaboration between the ABC, the Australian Government's Office for Youth and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). Since February, ABC producers have been working with local students to help bring their stories to life. Now a group of young storytellers has been selected to share their powerful ideas and lived experience on ABC platforms throughout the week and beyond. Stories will appear on the ABC's radio, TV and digital platforms. Ranging from life in a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) family to equine therapy and snake handling, these stories reflect the diversity, resilience and creativity of the region's youth. For Kyndra, one of the winners, sharing her story has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Kyndra has grown up with housing instability and wants to raise awareness of youth homelessness. 'There's not many opportunities [for young people] to speak out,' she says. 'I think it's important for people to actually hear what's going on for the new generation.' Winners will be celebrated at a red-carpet screening at the Goldfields Arts Centre and appear in on-air interviews across ABC programs. ABC Director, News Justin Stevens said the Goldfields Takeover offers a rare insight into life for young people in the region. 'Their stories and ideas for community change deserve to be heard and celebrated,' he said. Beyond the screening, the summit provides students with the chance to connect with community leaders, youth networks, politicians and media professionals. They'll also take part in workshops and leadership events aimed at helping young people turn their ideas into real community impact. To help bring some of these ideas to life FRRR will offer support to community organisations interested in partnering with students on grant-funded local projects. Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that the long-standing partnership with ABC is an important part of the Foundation's commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in remote, rural and regional communities. 'We are excited to be part of bringing the very first Takeover program to Western Australia,' she said. 'We know the ideas developed by these young people will make their communities stronger, more vibrant and sustainable.' Catch the winning stories and follow the week's events at: If you are interested in attending summit events, please email: takeover@ For more information please contact: Alexandra Neill ABC Senior Producer Mob: 0431 815 664
