Last week, the New Brunswick Advisory Council for Youth released a series of recommendations to the Government of New Brunswick made by youths to tackle population decline within the province.

Entitled "Rock the Boat: Here Today, here to Stay", the report summarized a series of surveys taken by 200 youths in 15 communities across New Brunswick:

The report reflects a number of potential solutions as suggested by young New Brunswickers during a series of forums, organized by the council, called Rock The Boat. Those recommendations include:

• providing more financial resources and greater access to education;
• increasing promotion and job-training opportunities; and
• increased youth involvement and decision-making with entertainment events.

"The quality of these recommendations speaks to the enthusiasm and energy of young New Brunswickers in every region of our province," said Education Minister Kelly Lamrock, who is also the minister responsible for the youth council. "Who better to make recommendations on how to grow our population and make New Brunswick the place to be for young people than those who are most directly affected? We need to ensure all New Brunswickers can take an active role in making our province self-sufficient. I look forward to reviewing these recommendations and discussing them with my colleagues."

From what I could see, the report introduced a few interesting findings. Most young people seemed to express a desire to stay in NB and believe there are many career opportunities. What they feel is lacking is a proper level of dialogue between them and the government and adults in general.