While the debate over the carbon tax grows, British Columbians will be looking for alternative climate policies that will simultaneously address the affordability crisis. With the recent endorsement from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), BC Teachers Federation (BCTF), and financial support from the BC government in the last budget, Youth Climate Corps is gaining popularity as a large-scale climate program that will make positive tangible impacts on British Columbians.
On September 18th, UBCM passed a Port Moody and Nelson resolution that calls for the expansion of the Youth Climate Corps, a transformative initiative that provides young people with a living wage to build their careers in climate action and environmental stewardship across the province. The program is run in several communities across BC, including rural, urban and Indigenous communities. It was started by Wildsight in 2020, a regional non-profit with deep roots in the Columbia Basin. Since then Youth Climate Corps BC has expanded the program to communities across BC. The young people will work in their communities doing projects such as retrofitting buildings, doing wildfire mitigation projects, educating residents on climate programs available to them and revitalizing ecosystems and wetlands. MLA Anderson, the Premiers Special Advisor on Youth said “I started working with Youth Climate Corps as an unofficial advisor when it was only just a dream. I have been thrilled to lend my support and advocacy from its first pilot project in 2020 to its continued growth and expansion. I have seen, first hand, the incredible impact it has on young people, the planet, and the community. I will continue to support its expansion across BC.”
Ben Simoni, the Executive Director of Youth Climate Corps BC said, “as the impacts from climate change intensify in BC, we need programs that will help communities prepare for these impacts, reduce emissions and make life more affordable. It is great to hear from the BCTF and UBCM that teachers and local governments are excited about a Province-wide Youth Climate Corps, and see the impacts of what having a mobilized young workforce can have on young people and their communities.” MLA Russell, the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development commented that “the Youth Climate Corps places young people at the heart of community-based climate action. I see immense value in this program, and it’s been a privilege to support their work in expanding economic opportunities in our rural communities, inspiring global climate solutions, and giving young workers the skills they need for a brighter future for all of us.”
The passing of this resolution follows a recent endorsement from the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), representing 50,000 teachers across the province of BC, which further solidifies the alignment of YCCBC’s goals with broader educational and environmental priorities. Clint Johnston, President of the BCTF said “We are happy to support the Youth Climate Corps as it aligns so well with our values of youth engagement, climate action and of course, education. We hope to see the program grow.” Both endorsements underscore the collective recognition of the need for robust youth engagement in climate action and policy development.
In the 2024 BC budget, $3 million was included to expand the Youth Climate Corps program. This is an excellent first commitment from the Province and will allow us to serve more young people and communities across BC. However, what we are seeing is a tremendous amount of excitement, and we look forward to further investment to continue to grow this critical program. At this moment, we need a bold program in BC that can make a real impact on the ground in communities across the province.
As YCCBC prepares to build on this momentum, the organization remains focused on expanding its programming, fostering partnerships, and advocating for increased support for youth-driven climate initiatives.
For more information about the Youth Climate Corps BC and upcoming initiatives, please visit the YCCBC Website or contact info@youthclimatecorps.com.
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