U of L graduate Robertson named to agriculture council

By Yoos, Cam on July 27, 2020.

Greg Bobinec

Lethbridge Herald

gbobinec@lethbridgeherald.com

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the names of the youth who will form the new Canadian Agriculture Youth Council. The 25 youths were chosen from more than 800 applications received, representing a diverse mix of subsectors from across the agriculture and agri-food sector, including one University of Lethbridge graduate.

Colby Robertson, graduate with a Master of Science at the University of Lethbridge, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba, will be joining the Youth Council who are engaged and passionate about the future of agriculture and agri-food sector.

“I applied to the CAYC because I recognized it as an opportunity to develop myself professionally while contributing to the development of Canada’s future agriculture and agri-food sector,” says Robertson.

“A priority I have as a Council member is to investigate and recommend improvements for aiding young agriculturalists in accessing capital for starting their own business. Additionally, I will seek opportunities to improve succession planning and address its role in ensuring Canadian farms continue to be sustainable.”

As a consultative body to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Agriculture Youth Council will have the opportunity to offer suggestions on government priorities, as well as identify problems and propose solutions on issues that matter most to them, all while developing leadership skills and building professional relationships.

“I am proud to lend my support to this announcement of the members of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council,” says Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth.

“These 25 young Canadians will be integral to keeping an open and ongoing dialogue on challenges and opportunities for Canada’s agriculture sector. Our government is committed to including youth voices in decision making, and encouraging business development among the next generation of young entrepreneurs.”

Council members will be providing their insights on a variety of topics and will be meeting multiple times annually, with a virtual inaugural meeting planned for next month.

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