Restore voice

Evidently the provincial government doesn’t abide by the well-known adage: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Youth Action Alliances across the province, including the local branch, have worked hard to convey the health risks of tobacco products, particularly to fellow teens, since their inception in 2005. They have lobbied to ban smoking in public places and workplaces, as well as in vehicles carrying children.
The Northwest YAA even scored a major coup last year with its “Flavour . . . Gone!” campaign, which pushed the federal government to introduce legislation to ban some flavoured tobacco products that clearly target youths.
Yet despite these efforts, and their obvious successes, the provincial government abruptly pulled the plug on the program, announcing its funding will expire Aug. 31.
Whether the government can come up with a better program remains to be seen. But whatever changes are coming down the pike, it’s essential that Queen’s Park ensures youths continue to play a front-and-centre role. Clearly, teens are more likely to listen to their peers rather than an adult lecturing them on the dangers of smoking or other behaviours. As well, young people offer a perspective on issues and approaches that differs from adults.
Equally important, programs like the YAA gave them a sense of ownership in their endeavours while teaching them how to advocate for change—something which needs to be encouraged, not shrugged off.
Those closely involved with the YAA, like Fort Frances High School student Tiffany Whalen, understandably feel their voice has been lost with this decision, which is absolutely the worst thing that can be allowed to happen.
It’s up to government to make sure they get it back.