The City of Airdrie is calling young residents to come and have their voices heard on Oct. 8 at the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie at 7 p.m.
Youth of all ages are encouraged to come and ask questions of the candidates running for a seat in the Oct. 21 municipal election.
ìWe hosted a similar event in 2010 election and got great feedback from our youth,î Robbie White, community developer for the City of Airdrie explained.
Members of the Hyjink Youth Council ñ a group of young Airdrie residents that ìseek to empower youth in Airdrieî who meet at Genesis Place every Monday throughout the year - are set to grill election candidates on issues that affect youth in Airdrie.
ìItís a public event, but only those that are 18 years of age and younger will be able to ask the candidates questions,î he said.
According to White, issues that have come up in recent meetings of Hyjink council were public safety, curb side recycling, the recently implemented bullying bylaw and activities available for youth in Airdrie.
The group mainly focuses on discussing issues affecting youth, and participate in idea sharing.
ìWe do get a lot of adults that come out to hear what the candidates have to say, but weíre hoping for more youth to come out this year,î White said.
During the 2010 youth forum, approximately 20 to 30 youths participated in the event and were predominately high school aged.
ìWe would love to see younger youth come out,î White said. ìStudents in Grade 6 just start learning about governmentÖ we would love if they came out.î
While the aim is to give a voice to youth who arenít able to legally vote in the Oct. 21 election, the aim is to continue the discussion at home with their parents, according to White.
The forum is a free event, and is open to anyone wanting to participate.
For more information on the forum or the Hyjink Youth Council contact the City at 403-948-8800 or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/166941776831229/
