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
Grade/Job/Program: 5th Year Honours Biology student at MacEwan University
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: About 18 years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I wanted to better understand how city governance works and help improve the activities and amenities available for youth in Fort Saskatchewan.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: I hope Youth Council continues to collaborate with City Council, municipal departments, and community groups to create events that are fun and relevant for people of all ages. I also hope to address the issues facing youth by improving the services that support them.
What are your future goals and dreams: I aspire to conduct biological research for the Federal Government (CSA) or enter politics.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours: Youth Council has provided valuable experience in leadership, public speaking, and understanding government operations, which will help me in any future role representing youth or working in government.
Lebron Macahia, Vice-Chair (He/Him)
Grade/Job/Program: 1st Year BA student at Concordia University of Edmonton
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: Almost three years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I’m passionate about advocating for the well-being of residents and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our community. Youth Council allows me to amplify the voices of young people and underrepresented groups.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: I hope Youth Council fosters a more inclusive community by creating opportunities for youth from all backgrounds to get involved in local projects and decision-making.
What are your future goals and dreams: I aspire to pursue a career in performing arts, particularly acting, while continuing my advocacy for marginalized communities.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours? This experience has helped me develop essential leadership, public speaking, and collaboration skills, deepening my understanding of DEI principles. I hope to use these skills to inspire positive change.
Anthonette Claire Batalla (She/Her)
How long have you been on Youth Council? Since December 2024
What interested you about joining youth council? I wanted to make new connections, meet new friends, and step out of my comfort zone.
What is one goal or hope you have for joining youth council: To feel more connected to my community.
Grade/Job/Program: Grade 12 at Fort Saskatchewan High School
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: 11 years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much when I first arrived here.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: I’d like to see Youth Council amplify the voices of youth in our community.
What are your future goals and dreams: I hope to become a law enforcement officer.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours: It will look good on my resume and help me connect with people who can assist me in achieving my career goals.
Grade/Job/Program: 3rd Year BA Psychology at the University of Alberta
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: 14 years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I wanted to meet new people and become more involved in the 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 inform them about the valuable resources available in our city.
What are your future goals and dreams: I plan to finish university and find 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 teaches me how to network and build connections with people and organizations that I might collaborate with in the future.
Grade/Job/Program: Grade 11 at Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: 8-9 years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I thought it would be fun and interesting to help the community while learning how things work in Fort Saskatchewan.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: I’d like to see Youth Council gain more public recognition, especially among youth, so we can have more engagement and influence in decision-making.
What are your future goals and dreams: My career goals are still undefined, but I’m keeping an open mind as I explore different possibilities.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours: Youth Council helps me build life skills in leadership and planning, and I’m eager to keep learning from workshops and experiences here.
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/Job/Program: Grade 12 at Fort Saskatchewan High School
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan: 9 years
What made you want to be a part of Youth Council: I want to help my community.
What are the goals you would like to see Youth Council achieve: I’d like to support the food bank and work with other regional youth councils to improve mental health access.
What are your future goals and dreams: I want to become a theatre director and work within the community.
How do you hope Youth Council will help you in your future endeavours: Youth Council will help me enhance my resume and develop skills in project management.
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