P.E.I.'s Chris Zhou chosen for Prime Minister's Youth Council

P.E.I.'s Chris Zhou and 14 other youths from across Canada have been selected from more that 14,000 applicants to serve on the Prime Minister's Youth Council.

The group from ages 16 to 24 will be advising the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada on policies and programs that are important to them.

Zhou, who is from Charlottetown, is currently studying Health Sciences at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.

Highest-ranking air cadet

As president of the Free the Children Club, Zhou orchestrated initiatives that raised more than $7,000 toward youth empowerment campaigns, according to a government website. He also serves as the highest-ranking air cadet in his squadron and volunteers as a glider pilot for the Air Cadet Gliding Program.

There are many avenues for them to be the leaders of today. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Over the coming days and months, Zhou and the council will meet with policy leaders, cabinet ministers, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Peter Schiefke, and other senior officials

Topics will include youth employment, environment and climate change, gender-based violence, and youth service.

"Countries that do not use the talents of all their citizens regardless of ethnicity, gender or age risk finding out that the status quo is no way to meet the very real challenges they face," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a news release.

Second round deadline Oct. 7

"I am excited to work with the youth council, to invite them to take part in government policy, and to make clear to Canadian youth that there are many avenues for them to be the leaders of today."

This represents the first round of selections for the Prime Minister's Youth Council. Canadians between the ages of 16 and 24 can apply until Oct.7 to the second round of applications. Successful applicants will participate in the 2017 youth council meetings.

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