Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

I am proud to join NDP MPP Marit Stiles in tabling our new bill the Centering Youth in Pandemic Recovery Act. If passed, the Bill would establish three important measures to ensure children, youth, and young adults are centered in all recovery planning:

1. It will create a Post-Pandemic Child & Youth Action Plan in consultation with youth leaders and experts in education (including ed workers & school boards), child development and mental health

2. The Bill also establishes the COVID-19 Recovery Youth Secretariat, to assist with the development, revision and implementation of the Action Plan and review legislation and regulations to determine the potential effects on the well-being of children, youth and youth adults.

3. The Bill also enshrines accountability, by appointing a new standing committee to review the development and implementation of the Action Plan every two years, review data and research conducted by the Secretariat, and report to the Legislative Assembly.

The sooner we act, the sooner we can help the next generation emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever.