COLLIN GALLANT
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Twitter: CollinGallant
City Hall's support for a Youth Advisory Board may result in a ban of certain types of hand sanitizers in city facilities.
The recently formed board presented its first list of annual priorities to the Public Services Committee on Tuesday to a warm reception by city staff and elected officials.
The list includes taking a look at racial discrimination in the area, encouraging greater volunteerism and a greater appreciation of downtown among young people, as well as supporting locally grown food.
"I think it's key to prevent any racial discrimination from happening in the high schools, because we know that it is happening," said Austin Desharnais, a board representative.
A more tangible goal mentioned around the meeting table was a closer examination of triclosan, a chemical herbicide and fungicide used in many hand sanitizers.
The proposal was first brought forward by board member Katie van der Sloot. Her science fair project with partner Rachel Brown gained national acclaim after it examined the use of the chemical in hand sanitizers .
Possible health concerns have led the Board to consider advising it be banned in city facilities.
"We're really excited," said van der Sloot, who is a vice-chair of the board. "We're looking forward to making an official proposal to the board and then hopefully to Public Services. We're excited for the prospect of a ban for the whole community."
A motion eventually winding up before council is "very conceivable," said Ald. Les Pearson, who sits on the Youth Advisory Board. "It would be a first in Canada, and I think it would be nice to see something so dramatic come out of that board."
The youth board was formed as an initiative to get younger people involved in politics and as a way for City officials to hear input from a normally lethargic faction of the community.
Mayor Norm Boucher gave encouragement to the group after the proposal, saying that he was impressed with the "bright, enthusiastic" group.
"Don't give up," said Boucher. "Some of these proposals won't change overnight."
He added that with anything in the political process effects on other members of the community have to be measured, and there are costs involved and often legal issues that need to be considered.