A Saint John teenager is urging the federal government to establish a national strategy for children and youth, emphasizing the need for structured support systems to guide young people toward successful futures. Chris Miller, a recent high school graduate, shared his personal journey of finding direction through the Saint John Learning Exchange, highlighting how practical skills and interpersonal development can significantly impact a young person’s trajectory.

Finding a Path Through Practical Skills

Miller described initial struggles to reach his full potential at Simonds High School. His involvement with the Saint John Learning Exchange, however, provided him with opportunities in culinary arts and carpentry. These hands-on experiences not only equipped him with vocational skills that could lead to employment but also fostered crucial soft skills such as teamwork and patience. “I got to learn a lot… working in a group with people and having patience,” Miller stated. “You can also work on your leadership skills when working in a group.” The Learning Exchange, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to assisting youth and adults in Saint John in achieving their educational and career aspirations.

Roundtable Discussion on Bill S-212

Miller’s transformative experience led him to participate in a roundtable discussion focused on Bill S-212, the National Strategy for Youth and Children Act. The event brought together local leaders, provincial representatives, and senators, including Senator Rosemary Moodie, who is championing the bill. Hosted by the Learning Exchange, the discussion provided a platform for youth, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to voice their perspectives. “I’d say the biggest thing that they’ve offered is just an ear — being able to listen to what we have to say and, hopefully, take that into account when they’re making these decisions,” Miller commented on the value of being heard by policymakers.

The Case for a Cohesive National Approach

Senator Rosemary Moodie underscored the necessity of a unified national strategy, despite existing efforts at various government levels to address issues like child poverty and youth unemployment. She pointed out that Canada is unique among wealthy OECD countries in lacking such a comprehensive plan. “Among the OECD countries, we’re the only one at our level of wealth that doesn’t have a plan,” Moodie remarked. Citing data from organizations like UNICEF, she indicated that Canada’s performance in key areas for youth well-being is not as strong as often perceived. “In recent results, we’ve seen that we have significant room for improvement. We’re 27th in physical health, 27 out of 37 countries… We are 22nd in mental well-being and 20th in skills acquisition,” Moodie elaborated, highlighting specific areas where Canada lags behind peer nations.

Addressing Child Poverty and Youth Unemployment

The statistics on child poverty in New Brunswick are particularly concerning. A recent report from the Human Development Council indicated a child poverty rate of 21.9 per cent statewide, with significantly higher rates in communities like Campbellton (41.2 per cent) and Saint John (30.7 per cent). These figures underscore the urgency for effective interventions.

Scaling Up Successful Programs

Senator Moodie advocated for the expansion of successful programs, such as the READY initiative attended by Miller, across the country. She believes a national strategy would facilitate the scaling up of proven interventions and the discontinuation of ineffective ones. “We need things to move from being pilots to being scaled up when they’re successful across our country, and we need to abandon the things that are not working,” she stated. The READY program has already seen growth, recently receiving $4.4 million in federal funding to expand its capacity and serve more young people annually.

Community Impact and Funding Hopes

June Breau-Nason, executive director of the Teen Resource Centre, echoed the sentiment that a national strategy could unlock vital funding for programs aimed at improving youth health outcomes and reducing poverty and unemployment. “If this opens up a conversation that brings funding to community agencies that have proven results, I think that’s important,” Breau-Nason said. “My hope is that any national strategy will trickle down to our community.”

A Long Overdue Initiative

Chris Miller expressed that the proposed national strategy is long overdue. “This bill that was being talked about — it’s something that should have already been a thing,” he asserted. He emphasized the fundamental need for all young people to feel supported and valued, rather than facing uncertainty. “Just helping students and kids in general, really, no matter the age, actually be looked after, cared about, and given an opportunity in life, not just expected to be on the street.” Miller shared the challenges of navigating adolescence when exposed to negative influences, expressing his hope that the bill will illuminate a better path for other young individuals. “You’re surrounded by adults who chose not so good decisions in their lives, and then you’re a kid trying to navigate your way through your life… I’m just hoping that this bill helps kids realize that there’s a better way, there’s a better path,” he added.

Validating Youth Voices

Dayna Lutes, project manager for the READY initiative, views Miller’s engagement as a positive indicator of their program’s effectiveness. She highlighted the importance of national-level recognition for local efforts. “Hearing someone that’s looking at this in depth at a national level recognize Saint John as a leader in the space… gives us confidence that we are on the right track,” Lutes remarked. Bill S-212 has progressed through the Senate and is now before the House of Commons, awaiting further readings and committee review before potential passage.

Conclusion

The push for a national strategy for youth and children, spearheaded by young individuals like Chris Miller and supported by policymakers like Senator Rosemary Moodie, aims to create a more robust framework for supporting Canada’s younger generation. By scaling successful programs and ensuring that youth voices are central to policy development, proponents hope to address critical issues such as child poverty, mental well-being, and skills development, ultimately paving a clearer path to success for all young Canadians.