BILL NO. 17

(a) facilitate the planning, development and delivery of services and programs for youth;

(aa) heighten awareness of the needs and aspirations of youth;

(ba) consult with youth on matters that affect youth, including legislation, regulations, policy or programs;

4 (1) The Governor in Council shall assign responsibility for the Secretariat to a member of the Executive Council.

(2) The Secretariat consists of the member of the Executive Council referred to in subsection (1).

7A In carrying out the duties of the Secretariat, the Secretariat shall work closely with the Departments of Education, Health, Community Services, Justice, Environment and Labour, Economic Development, the Office of Health Promotion and voluntary youth-serving organizations.

7B The duties of the Secretariat are to

(a) undertake research to identify and study matters with respect to youth and make recommendations based on the findings of the research;

(b) collect and disseminate information to the public with respect to youth or youth-serving organizations;

(c) publish reports, studies and surveys with respect to youth;

(d) propose legislation, policies or programs to achieve the objects of this Act;

(e) co-ordinate the development and delivery of policies and programs respecting youth with other government departments, governments and community-based organizations;

(f) deliver programs for youth or for the benefit of youth;

(g) provide support and co-ordination to and liaison with advisory bodies such as the Nova Scotia Youth Advisory Council and the Provincial Student Education Council on the development of programs and services for youth;

(h) review or participate in the review of programs and services delivered to or on behalf of youth by other government departments;

(i) promote the awareness of youth issues within the government; and

(j) support programs and activities that recognize the contribution youth make to the community.

8A (1) The Nova Scotia Youth Advisory Council shall prepare an annual report of its activities and submit the report to the member of the Executive Council charged with the administration of this Act.

(2) The member of the Executive Council assigned responsibility for the Secretariat shall table the report referred to in subsection (1) in the House of Assembly, if the House is sitting, and, if the House is not sitting, the report shall be filed with the Chief Clerk of the House.