Uncertainty Looms Over Canada’s Youth Climate Corps Initiative
Months after a promising announcement, the anticipated launch of Canada’s Youth Climate Corps (YCC) remains in limbo. Despite initial excitement, youth activists and leaders are disheartened by delays and lack of progress.
Bushra Asghar, Executive Director of the national campaign for Youth Climate Corps, was hopeful when Ottawa committed $40 million to the initiative. The plan aimed to engage Canadians under 35 in two-year paid apprenticeships focused on climate action. However, Asghar now finds herself facing bureaucratic hurdles, with unanswered emails and no new information on the project’s progress.
The federal government had pledged support for the YCC in Budget 2025, allocating $20 million annually to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This move was seen as a significant victory for youth climate organizations nationwide. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin noted, “We heard from youth climate organizations from across the country who have fought to see this program become a reality.”
In November, an event in Montreal celebrated the announcement, drawing 50 young Canadians. But the enthusiasm soon faded into silence. “Since that moment, we really haven’t heard anything,” said Sustainable Youth Canada Co-Director Katia Forgues, expressing disappointment over the lack of transparency.
Canada’s environment minister Julie Dabrusin (centre, wearing a tan jacket) attending the Montreal event supporting Youth Climate Corps in November, which was organized by local, youth-led environmental and sustainability organizations.
Initially introduced in 2023, the YCC proposal aimed to address several challenges, including youth unemployment and climate change. Laurel Collins, NDP Critic for the Environment, had highlighted the importance of the initiative as “transformative.” The program was designed to bridge the gap in employment while promoting a green economy.
The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council, instrumental in shaping the YCC, was dissolved amid government transitions. Katia Forgues and other council members sought clarity but received minimal information.
In March, during discussions about the YCC, the second cohort of the youth council was informed of its dissolution. Forgues noted the lack of communication and transparency, attributing some response to media attention.
A glimmer of hope appeared in June when Asghar was contacted by Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. Although Bendayan acknowledged the delay, she could not provide a launch date. Asghar emphasized the need for a structured implementation plan and governance involving youth and experts, but was warned this might delay the program further.
In July, with no clear update, Asghar’s concerns were compounded by the disbanding of the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council and the Natural Resources Canada Youth Council, both casualties of government spending cuts.
In April, Bushra Asghar (center) joined a group of environmental organizations calling on the Ontario government to reinstate a climate plan.
(Anushka Yadav/The Pointer)
Advocates like Shir Gruber, former NRCan Youth Council member, believe the YCC could be presented as a substitute for youth councils—a misconception they argue against. Gruber stressed the importance of youth councils for meaningful engagement in policy-making.
With the YCC pilot funding set for 2026–28, time is running short for implementation. The ESDC has yet to clarify the program’s status or launch timeline, stating only their focus on a cleaner future.
The climate advocates question whether the same delays would occur for fossil fuel interests, noting the intense lobbying under the current government. Asghar wonders if the YCC announcement was merely a strategy to improve the government’s image among young people. Gruber adds, “You can’t be a climate leader, and then not follow through on your climate investments.”
Original Story at thepointer.com