December 13, 2021

Bella Bella — A young local leader has been named to the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council and will provide direct and ongoing feedback to government on priorities and policies that matter to youth.

Clea Schooner, 22, of Bella Bella was appointed to the 18-member council. The inaugural council received more than 250 applications.

“Congratulations to Clea Schooner and all the other young people who were appointed to the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “This council will provide young people across B.C. with a platform to share what matters most to them, so we can work together to build a better and brighter future.”

Schooner is from the Heiltsuk Nation and has a special interest in environmental sustainability. She serves as the communications lead for Qqs Projects Society, a community-driven, charitable non-profit group focused on the Great Bear Rainforest.

“I’m excited to be part of this council and to have the opportunity to raise issues that are important to all of us, like climate action, and bring to the table a shifted perspective of Indigenous values and beliefs. These topics need our attention now for a better future,” said Schooner. “I look forward to gaining new skills and making relationships that will help me be a strong advocate for my community and for the next generation.”

The council will be chaired by Brittny Anderson, the premier’s special adviser on youth. They will discuss issues that matter most to young people in areas such as education, employment, income, mental health and the environment. Issues affecting the North Coast and Nechako will also be brought forward to the council table.

“I’m looking forward to working with these remarkable young people to hear first-hand what is needed in the North Coast and Nechako region to help improve their lives and opportunities,” said Anderson. “These young leaders represent some of the most community-minded young people in our province. Their input will make a difference for their peers and communities, now and for generations to come.”

Council members will serve one-year terms with the option to remain on the council for up to three terms. The first meeting is planned for spring 2022 and will be held quarterly.

“I’m glad to see the diversity of our province reflected in the membership of our first StrongerBC Young Leaders Council,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “The pandemic has exposed inequalities that we can’t ignore. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work with the council to tackle the pressing issues they care about, including building an economy that works for more British Columbians in every corner of our province.”

The StrongerBC Young Leaders Council supports the B.C. government’s commitment to an inclusive, innovative and sustainable economic recovery for everyone who lives in B.C.

Learn More:

Find out more about the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/economic-recovery/youth/young-leaders-council

Read the biographies of StrongerBC Young Leaders Council members:
https://www.bcpublicsectorboardapplications.gov.bc.ca/s/tribunaldetail?boardNum=A-24243