Fort Saskatchewan Youth Council
The Fort Saskatchewan Youth Council is a Committee established by City Council. Its mission is to educate and empower youth to provide information and recommendations to Council in relation to issues that impact or involve youth in Fort Saskatchewan.
Responsibilities
The Youth Council is responsible for:
- Researching and writing policy proposals for Council’s consideration and review;
- Consulting with Administration and other youth serving agencies to support youth initiatives;
- Providing a youth lens to City policies, programs and services as part of the City’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy;
- Working with Administration to develop and maintain a community dialogue about matters important to youth in Fort Saskatchewan;
- Driving change, and advocating on behalf of youth; and
- Establishing partnerships with individuals and youth serving organizations to ensure different perspectives are reflected in Youth Council initiatives and procedures.
Meetings
Youth Council holds regular meetings monthly.
Membership
Membership for the Youth Council is comprised of:
- Up to 14 youth members between the ages of 14 and 24, all residents of the City of Fort Saskatchewan;
- An appointed representative from City Council;
- The Youth and Family Coordinator.
Youth Council Members
Get to know a bit more about our Youth Council Members
Leandra Kapseu, Chair (She/Her)
Grade/Job/Program: Grade 12 at St. André Bessette Catholic High School
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: Since 2016, after moving from California; originally born in Cameroon, Africa.
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I love the idea of making a positive difference in the community, especially for youth since we can be very particular about what we enjoy.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: We’ve already had two successful events that brought joy to the community, and I’d like to see Youth Council continue fostering positive interactions and relationships.
What are your future goals and dreams: My immediate goal is to successfully graduate high school. Afterward, I plan to further my education, eventually becoming a nurse. I’ll work hard and stay disciplined to achieve that.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours: I hope to build a positive reputation and gain recognition. I also want to improve my self-confidence, public speaking skills, and event planning abilities.
Grade/Program/Job: 1st Year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama Technical Production at the University of Alberta
Years in Fort Saskatchewan: Around 10 years
Why I joined Youth Council: I wanted a voice in the community to advocate for its needs and priorities.
Youth Council goals: I hope to bridge gaps in the community by collaborating with municipal departments and organizations, such as schools and the food bank, and promoting initiatives like clean-up projects.
Future goals: I aspire to become a lighting technician or technical director.
How Youth Council supports my future: Youth Council helps me approach the world with inclusivity and understanding, while developing skills to work with and understand people better.
Anthonette Claire Batalla (She/Her)
Grade/Program/Job: 2nd Year Psychology student at the University of Alberta
Years in Fort Saskatchewan: 10 years
Why I joined Youth Council: I wanted to contribute to the community and challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone.
Youth Council goals: I hope to create an environment where youth feel heard and to build stronger connections between youth and the community.
Future goals: I aspire to pursue a career related to my studies that allows me to develop my skills and find personal satisfaction.
How Youth Council supports my future: Youth Council provides hands-on experience in leadership, collaboration, and other skills that will help me in my future career.
Grade/Program/Job: Police and Investigative Studies student at MacEwan University
Years in Fort Saskatchewan: 9 years
Why I joined Youth Council: I love the city and its people, and I wanted to contribute to the community while helping youth voices be heard.
Youth Council goals: I hope to connect youth and create opportunities for them to be involved and engaged in local initiatives.
Future goals: I aspire to become a member of the police force.
How Youth Council supports my future: Youth Council has introduced me to many amazing people and given me opportunities to develop connections, leadership, and teamwork skills that will help me in the future.
Grade/Job/Program: 4th Year BA Psychology at the University of Alberta
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: 15 years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I wanted to start volunteering and connect more with our community.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: I hope Youth Council can connect the youth of Fort Saskatchewan and surrounding areas, and inform them about the valuable resources available in our city.
What are your future goals and dreams: I hope to finish my degree and get a job related to my field of study.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours: I hope Youth Council helps me hone my communication and networking skills that I can take with me in my future endeavours.
Grade/Program/Job: High school student
Years in Fort Saskatchewan: Around 10 years
Why I joined Youth Council: I wanted volunteering experience and the opportunity to be involved in planning and managing community events for youth.
Youth Council goals: I hope Youth Council actively engages youth and encourages their participation in the community.
Future goals: I aim to graduate high school and get accepted into a university program that fits my interests.
How Youth Council supports my future: Youth Council helps me develop communication skills to connect with a broad range of people.
Grade/Program/Job: High school graduate, currently taking a gap year to upgrade and gain work experience
Years in Fort Saskatchewan: 7 years
Why I joined Youth Council: I wanted to help youth in Fort Saskatchewan have a stronger voice and contribute to meaningful projects while meeting new people.
Youth Council goals: I hope Youth Council creates more opportunities and activities for youth, such as community events, volunteer programs, and initiatives focused on mental health and creativity.
Future goals: I plan to become a nurse, pursuing a career that allows me to make a difference in people’s lives through care and compassion.
How Youth Council supports my future: Youth Council helps me build leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills, while boosting my confidence in sharing ideas—skills that will support me in my future career.
Grade/Program/Job: 2nd Year BA Drama student at Concordia University of Edmonton
Years in Fort Saskatchewan: About four years
Why I joined Youth Council: I’m passionate about advocating for residents’ well-being and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Youth Council allows me to amplify the voices of young people and underrepresented groups.
Youth Council goals: I hope to foster a more inclusive community by creating opportunities for youth from all backgrounds to get involved in local projects and decision-making.
Future goals: I aspire to pursue a career in performing arts, teaching, or any path that allows me to share meaningful stories.
How Youth Council supports my future: Youth Council gives me experience in leadership, collaboration, and advocacy that will help me in my future career.
How to Get Involved
Interested youth can submit an application to become a member of the Youth Council.
For more information, please email YouthCouncil@fortsask.ca or call 780-992-6267.
Additional information
Related pages
Youth Council Contact
Phone: 780-992-6267
Email: YouthCouncil@fortsask.ca