MÉLISSA GÉLINAS
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
MRC PONTIAC – Re-established in 2023, the MRC Pontiac Youth Council is a group of high school students from across the region. Each month during the school year, members meet to discuss topics that matter to them and organize initiatives that benefit the community.
Mission and achievements
The Youth Council encourages youth involvement in various causes, fosters a sense of community belonging, and promotes leadership.
“The mission is to give young people a voice to improve life in the Pontiac,” explained Aidan McCann of Desjardinsville, Sheenboro, the newly elected council president.
He highlighted the council’s participation in job fairs, its efforts in organizing BBQ fundraisers for Bouffe Pontiac, and its involvement in various community events.
In 2024, members also launched a forum to openly discuss and raise awareness about youth mental health in the region.
Three new initiatives
“First, we’ve discussed plans for a new trade school in the Pontiac,” McCann noted. “This would allow local residents to build careers while feeling supported by their community. Skilled tradespeople will be the ones shaping the future of the Pontiac.”
Another pressing issue is the increasing use of vaping among youth. The council is working to educate young people on its harmful effects. “We are currently discussing strategies to combat its use,” he said.
The lack of driving schools in the Pontiac is another concern the council is addressing. “Right now, anyone who wants to get a driver’s licence has to travel all the way to Aylmer to take lessons,” McCann pointed out. “That’s a long trip for people in the Pontiac.”
To tackle this issue, the council has developed three potential solutions:
• Reach out to École de Conduite Technic of Aylmer to see if they would send instructors to the Pontiac or hire someone locally to teach.
• Encourage entrepreneurs to establish a new driving school in the region.
• Work with École de Conduite Technic to offer practice sessions for Pontiac students, allowing them to carpool and book lessons on the same day rather than travelling individually.
Officially elected as president
McCann expressed enthusiasm about his new role. “I look forward to working with the council, MRC Warden Jane Toller, staff and elected officials at the MRC to continue our efforts to improve the lives of young people in the region,” he said.
Encouraging more youth to get involved, he added, “The Youth Council is an inclusive and welcoming group, and we would love to have more young people join us.”
Anyone interested in joining the Youth Council can contact Warden Toller at prefete@mrcpontiac.qc.ca.
Photo – New MRC Pontiac Youth Council President Aidan McCann. (Jonny Fliestra)