Whereas local governments recognize the urgent need to address climate change and the impact that climate change is having on communities through extreme weather such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, which is causing major infrastructure damage and loss of life to residents; And whereas there is a need to engage young people by local governments, and train the next generation of low carbon sector workers and leaders: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province of British Columbia for an expanded Youth Climate Corps that will provide green living wage jobs and training to young adults to support important work on climate adaptation and mitigation projects in their own communities, such as wildfire mitigation, building retrofits, ecosystem restoration and community engagement; And be it further resolved that the Province work with local governments, Indigenous communities and nations, youth groups, industry, union associations and environmental organizations to scaleup, design programming and provide resources for a BC-wide Youth Climate Corps.
Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions the Ministry acknowledges the important role of youth and young adult employment in supporting the climate transition in British Columbia. The Province of British Columbia provided a three-million-dollar grant in 2024 to the Youth Climate Corps BC YCCBC to expand its program to more communities across the province so that more young people in British Columbia can train for careers that will help their communities reduce emissions and adapt to the changing climate. In addition to the funding, the ministry has a memorandum of understanding MOU with YCCBC to support alignment on climate action priorities and the need to support youth in developing subject matter expertise and capacity in the climate action space and contributing to a low carbon and resilient workforce in BC. As per the MOU agreement, YCCBC and staff from the Climate Action Secretariat meet quarterly to support alignment, provide CleanBC training to YCCBC cohorts as needed, and explore opportunities for advancing youth engagement on climate action more broadly. The MOU is in place until the end of the funding agreement, Spring 2027. The ministry acknowledges the importance of youth engagement in climate action and gaining work experience that can lead to well-paying climate focused work. The ministry will continue to maintain the relationship with YCCBC and provide in-kind support. The ministry will consider further financial support if funding becomes available and once the grant outcomes have been reviewed.