SAGAR Grewal of Calgary, Alberta, is one of the 10 new members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Youth Council.

Trudeau welcomed the new members this week. Together, these young Canadians will continue to provide important, non-partisan advice to the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada on issues that matter to young people and all Canadians – including mental health, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, diversity, innovation, economic growth that works for everyone, as well as youth employment and youth service.

They will join the 11 current members, bringing the Youth Council to a total of 21 members. The original 15 members named in 2016 have concluded their mandate and now begin their work as Youth Council Alumni.

Born and raised in Calgary, Grewal attends the University of Calgary. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in biomechanics, and represents his fellow students as a member of the university’s Board of Governors and as President of the Students’ Union.

As a representative of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sagar successfully advocated for free academic support, and raised nearly $1 million to foster inclusiveness on campus through creating new student study spaces and barrier-free change rooms.

A strong advocate for keeping young people healthy and active, Sagar works at the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre on studies supported by the International Olympic Committee and the National Basketball Association.

During the last year, the Youth Council has also worked with the Government of Canada to develop Canada’s first-ever youth policy. As part of the consultation phase, the Youth Council, youth-serving organizations, and other youth ambassadors led in-person roundtable discussions across the country and engaged young people on what a youth policy should look like. Young people also submitted ideas through YouthAction.ca.

Over the summer, further discussions will be held with young people to explore how to create a national youth policy that reflects their priorities and addresses the issues young Canadians care about.

Trudeau said: “I thank the original 15 members of the Youth Council for their dedication and advice over the last two years. I look forward to hearing the innovative ideas that the new members will bring with them. Their perspectives are crucial to shaping policies that will benefit young people and all Canadians.”

Peter Schiefke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Youth), added: “Through the Youth Council, young Canadians have a distinctive platform to convey their unique perspectives, and those of their communities, to the highest levels of government. Their input has immense value to policy-makers, who regularly seek their honest, fearless advice.”