A template for a national youth climate corps

Written By Peter Allan

Young climate activists transform a downtown Toronto space into powerful statements, urging the government in September 2024 to establish a national Youth Climate Corps and train young people in green careers. Photo by Abdul Matin Sarfraz/ Canada's National Observer

 

By Jennifer Cole

When a wildfire broke out near Squamish, BC, last summer, residents of the small community of Brackendale were put on evacuation alert. It was a chaotic scene as residents scrambled to prepare their properties, pack up pets and collect precious belongings. To bolster emergency services and personnel already helping residents in the community, the District of Squamish asked local members of Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) for extra support.

The five-member team led by Nicole Kilistoff was given a quick tutorial on what to do by Firesmart members and then, went door to door, offering support to frightened residents and helping them prepare their homes if they were evacuated.

“Many homeowners were thankful for the extra support, and it was amazing to have the chance to contribute — even in a small way — during such uncertain times,” Kilistoff says.

As Canadian youth face high unemployment rates and polling suggests 56 per cent of those aged 16 to 25 feel powerless to do anything about the climate emergency, YCCBC is offering a path forward.

The non-profit training and employment program provides youth aged 17 to 30 with hands-on experience in projects specifically geared to build climate resilience across the province. YCCBC teams can also serve in an emergency response as communities across BC cope with intensifying fallout from the climate crisis, including wildfires.

It all began in 2020 as a pilot project of Wildsight, a non-profit dedicated to protecting biodiversity and fostering sustainable communities in BC's Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions. That first year, 14 youth spent four months on projects ranging from wildfire mitigation and local food initiatives to energy efficiency upgrades. The program quickly grew, and by its second year, YCCBC became its own entity.

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Peter Allan
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