Generation Z individuals have taken on roles in the council chambers of various municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Following the recent municipal election, there are now at least six councillors and one deputy mayor under the age of 24, serving communities from St. John’s to Cartwright.
In St. John’s, Kate Cadigan, aged 22, has made history as the youngest councillor in the city. Cadigan expressed her commitment to representing the younger generation who often feel overlooked in political spaces.
Meanwhile, Ethan Williams, aged 21, was acclaimed as a councillor in Bay Bulls after being first elected at 19. He described the experience as an honor and appreciated the overwhelming support from the community.
Justina Nawaz, aged 21, was elected for a second term in Witless Bay, this time as deputy mayor. She emphasized her love for the tight-knit community and the support she received during the election.
In Cartwright, 24-year-old Madison Dyson secured her first council position, while three 19-year-olds were elected in Ming’s Bight, La Scie, and Cape Broyle.
Most councillors in these municipalities volunteer their time, balancing council duties with other jobs. For instance, Dyson is employed by the NunatuKavut Community Council, and many of the Gen Z councillors are also students at Memorial University.
Nawaz, a law and public policy student at MUN, highlighted the synergy between her academic studies and council responsibilities. Williams, a business student at MUN currently on a government work term, emphasized the importance of time management while juggling school, work, and council duties.
The young councillors believe that having a more diverse representation on town councils strengthens democracy in the area. They are eager to support each other and their communities, with Cadigan planning to create an online group chat for Newfoundland and Labrador’s youngest councillors.
Overall, these new faces in council chambers represent a shift towards a more diverse and youth-inclusive leadership in various Newfoundland and Labrador communities.