CRRF supports a new civic youth fellowship in the City of Edmonton

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is thrilled to announce the launch of a Civic Youth Fellowship in Edmonton, co-funded by CRRF and the City of Edmonton, Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA) , and Africa Centre. The fellowship will bring 13 youth interns into the Edmonton City Council Offices for eight weeks, beginning in May 2023.

The Council Internship is a pilot program under the City of Edmonton’s Anti-Racism Strategy to increase access, opportunity and mentorship for equity-deserving youth within public service, and to boost civic engagement. This fellowship was developed based on a successful model created by the Urban Alliance on Race Relations and the city of Toronto. CRRF thanks them for their innovation and leadership in helping envision this program.

“Increasing access to city-building opportunities like the Civic Youth Fellowship demonstrates the City of Edmonton’s commitment to youth empowerment and human equity. Young Edmontonians from equity-seeking groups have bold ideas, innovative solutions, unique lived experiences and a passion to improve our city — they are Edmonton’s future leaders, and their perspectives are invaluable. I look forward to welcoming the selected youth fellows to City Hall this May, and am grateful for the support of the CFFR, IFSAA and Africa Centre in making this fellowship a reality,” said Edmonton Mayor, Amarjeet Sohi.

“Youth fellowships are a wonderful opportunity to support young people in learning how to move the dial in the world of public policy. We’re showing them how to take a seat at a table of power. Enabling their access to the inner workings of the public sector through these fellowships is one way to help them forge their own paths to building a better, more equitable Canada,” said Mohammed Hashim, CRRF Executive Director. 

Omar Yaqub, Servant of Servants with IslamicFamily, called the fellowships “a strategic and important investment in talent development for the City of Edmonton.” 

“The fellowship helps the City better reflect its citizens, leads to more informed decision-making and strengthens vital community partnerships in meaningful ways” said Yaqub. 

CRRF is committed to ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in Canadian policy-making. Youth gain the tools to become leaders in their communities and the public service sector, creating a powerful ripple effect that can lead to positive change and greater equity in policies, institutions, and society as a whole. 

To learn more about the City of Edmonton’s 13 youth interns and stay informed about future municipal fellowships and other CRRF youth initiatives, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.