More young people in B.C. will gain hands-on work experience while helping communities prepare for climate change under continued provincial funding for Youth Climate Corps B.C. (YCCBC).
The Province said it is providing $1.4 million through a shared-cost agreement to support the program’s continued growth, building on a $3-million investment announced in 2024 to expand youth climate employment opportunities across B.C.
“Young people in B.C. care deeply about the environment and want an active role in tackling climate change,” Premier David Eby said. “We are creating opportunities for them to do just that. By strengthening the Youth Climate Corps B.C., young people will be able to build valuable skills and experience while helping their communities become more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.”
On Monday, June 22, Eby and Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, toured a wildfire mitigation project in West Arm Provincial Park near Nelson alongside YCCBC crews. The Province said the project is helping protect Nelson’s primary water source and critical infrastructure while giving participants practical experience in climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.
Youth Climate Corps B.C. connects people aged 17 to 30 with paid work and training opportunities that support local climate priorities. Projects include wildfire risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, energy efficiency, food security, community engagement and the sharing of traditional ecological knowledge.
According to the Province, the program is operating in 11 communities in 2026, its largest expansion to date.
“The Youth Climate Corps has deep roots in the Kootenays and I’ve seen first-hand how it’s grown from a small local effort into something with impact across the province,” Anderson said. “It speaks to the strength of community-driven ideas, and the leadership young people are bringing to this important work.”
Projects this year include building retrofits and energy-efficiency work in Squamish, biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem restoration in the Comox Valley, eco-tourism and river stewardship programming in Hazelton, and disaster response, food security and community engagement projects in communities across the province.
“Addressing climate change requires practical solutions and a skilled workforce to deliver them,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Youth Climate Corps B.C. is helping young people gain valuable experience while supporting projects that strengthen communities and build resilience. This investment is helping prepare British Columbia for the future while creating opportunities for young people today.”
The Province said demand for placements continues to exceed available positions. During the 2026 hiring season, YCCBC received more than 600 applications for about 60 placements.
Executive director Ben Simoni said the funding will allow more young people to turn their interest in climate action into practical experience.
“This support is helping more young people turn concern about climate change into practical action. Youth Climate Corps provides opportunities to build skills and experience while contributing to projects that make communities stronger and more resilient.”
