NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - (NWORDA)
The Regional Multicultural Youth Council has been participating in the Northwestern Ontario Regional Development Authority (NWORDA) consultations. This is a group that is working on strategies to promote economic growth and social development of the region. Youth were identified as an important component, and four members from The RMYC ---Mary Cheechoo, Pauline Fogarty, Shari Sekhon, Martin Zhang attended the Northwestern Ontario Multicultural Association (NOMA) Annual General Meeting and Conference in Dryden, April 25-28, 2007. They addressed the NOMA delegates on Friday afternoon, April 27 on the NOWRDA Report. Highlights of their presentation follows below:
Forging the Future
"YOUTH TASK FORCE"
Background
Northwestern Ontario is suffering from a loss of their youth.
Many barriers exist for youth who wish to remain in the Northwest and as a result they are forced to look for education and employment opportunities in other parts of Ontario and the rest of Canada. Issues
Lack of career oriented employment opportunities.
Limited ability to gain entry into well-paying permanent jobs.
Youth are not normally encouraged to participate in the civic life of their communities.
More engagement in decision making and the development of strategies that involve youth may encourage youth to remain within their home communities.
Issues
Inability of the region to attract large employers and thus fewer jobs exist.
Difficulty in obtaining education, training or support for self-employment or entrepreneurial
activities.
Youth working in entry level jobs or at two or three part-time jobs have a difficult time making ends meet and have no incentive to develop roots in the region.
Employers should adopt a more pro-active approach in terms of demonstrating to youth the types of jobs available in this region.
As well, local industries need to become more aware of the services/employment that could be provided by youth and/or young entrepreneurs.
The Northwest is home to a vibrant and growing urban centered Aboriginal youth population. Their needs and challenges to obtain an education and tap into opportunities must be addressed. (Issues such as racism, and negative lifestyles due to the legacy of residential schools need to be addressed for Aboriginal youths to realize their potential and contribute fully to the development of the region. In addition land and treaty rights need to be addressed to reduce tension and avoid problems)
The pull to live in urban areas is strong., and is emphasized in the media continually.
It is therefore important for rural communities to undertake activities designed to increase the awareness of opportunities in the Northwest and the benefits of living in the region.
Often, young people cite the lack of recreational and social activities as part of the problem of living in Northwestern Ontario. (Affordable recreational activities help kids to stay fit, have fun and develop healthy lifestyles. Youth Centres provide safe places for them to hang out, and it is easy to talk to kids in drop-in centres and hear their stories, concerns and interest. Engaging them as stakeholders makes them part of the solution to problems.)
This lack of social infrastructure has been particularly cited as a problem in living in more rural areas.
Proposed Solutions
Youth Task Force -- Under NWORDA (to consult with youth on a regular basis on current issues of concern and their needs.
Mandate
To engage youth as stakeholders in the economic development of the region,
Give youths a voice to share their vision of the future
Membership
Northwestern Ontario Secondary Students Association (Student Councils)
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Decade for Youth Council Membership
Regional Multicultural Youth Council
l'Association des Francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario -Youth
YES Employment Services
Lakehead University Student Union
Confederation College Student Union
(The primary focus should be on high school students because those going to College and University already have their career plans set.)
Meetings
NWORDA Youth will meet at least once a year.
For convenience and to cut costs, youth input can be solicited during annual NWOSSA meetings, NAN Youth Decade for Youth Council gatherings, Regional Multicultural Youth Council workshops, etc.
Budget
$10,000.00-$20,000.00 a year (for part-time staff and/or office support i.e. access to computers, photocopying, and one annual meeting for at least 20 regional delegates).
A bigger budget will be required for conferences, surveys, consultations, focus groups, etc.
Meetings
Brainstorming sessions and consultations can be organized as special projects
P.S.
We are pleased that the NWORDA Report which includes various other components including all the above points was adopted by NOMA.