In the past three years, Derek Walker has been urging the Welsh government to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on future generations born in Wales, even up to 50 years from now. As the Future Generations Commissioner for his country, Walker is responsible for advocating for the rights of Wales’s youngest residents and ensuring their interests are taken into account in policy-making.
Walker questions why present-day issues should be passed on to future generations when they could be addressed now. He emphasizes the importance of not burdening children and grandchildren with problems that could be resolved in the present.
His role stems from the Well-being of Future Generations Act, a groundbreaking legislation passed in Wales in 2015. The act outlines seven objectives for the nation, such as promoting a healthier and more equitable Wales, along with 50 national indicators to monitor progress.
Since assuming his position, Walker has been instrumental in pushing for more robust actions to combat river pollution and enhance the sustainability of Wales’s food system. He is particularly proud of his efforts in ensuring public sector entities commit to implementing a genuine living wage, which he believes will significantly alleviate poverty levels across the country.
In Canada, young people are facing various challenges, including high unemployment rates, affordability issues, climate change impacts, and advancements in technology. Advocates in Canada are urging the federal government to appoint a representative to champion the concerns of the country’s youth.
At St. Mother Teresa High School in Ottawa, Grade 8 students like Nayah Tarpeh and Dimitri Conistis are expressing concerns about their future prospects, ranging from the cost of education to rising grocery prices. Their teacher, Katie Richmyre, notes that societal and governmental policies often prioritize older demographics, neglecting the needs and worries of younger generations.
Canadian advocates, inspired by Walker’s initiatives in Wales, are calling for more extensive measures in Ottawa to support young Canadians. They highlight disparities in government spending, emphasizing the need for greater investments in youth-focused programs and policies.
Paul Kershaw, a UBC professor and founder of Generation Squeeze, stresses the importance of prioritizing resources for younger demographics, pointing out the significant disparity in funding allocations between elderly benefits and youth-oriented initiatives in Canada.
To address these concerns, advocates propose the establishment of a minister dedicated to generational fairness within the Canadian government. They also recommend the creation of an advisory body to ensure that the interests of younger generations are adequately represented in policy decisions.
Ontario Senator Rosemary Moodie is advocating for Bill S-212, which calls for the development of a national strategy to support children and youth in Canada. Moodie emphasizes the need for a comprehensive vision for the well-being of young Canadians, highlighting the fragmented nature of existing support systems.
In response to calls for a similar role in Canada, Walker encourages the federal government to consider implementing a position akin to his own, tailored to the specific needs of the Canadian context. He underscores the importance of proactive measures to secure the long-term prosperity of the country and acknowledges the positive impact of the Well-being of Future Generations Act in Wales.