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Getting Youth Voices on the Agenda

Agenda Gap is a dynamic research and intervention initiative. The core aim of Agenda Gap is to empower youth with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for policies that foster mental health and equity for youth and their communities.

Getting Youth Voices on the Agenda

Agenda Gap is a dynamic research and intervention initiative. The core aim of Agenda Gap is to empower youth with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for policies that foster mental health and equity for youth and their communities.

Agenda Gap Reach

15

cohorts to date

167

youth participants

44

facilitators trained

61+

adult allies engaged

See the Program in Action

At Agenda Gap, we take an equity-oriented approach to mental health promotion—empowering youth to take action that supports positive mental health for themselves and their communities. In this video, we introduce our approach, highlight key mental health promotion concepts, and share how we’re helping young people create meaningful, lasting change.

Our Reach

*Data current as of October 2025.

Youth Engagement Report

Developed with Agenda Gap youth in Alberta, this report shares best practices and evidence-based strategies to strengthen youth engagement in policy processes. Its findings informed PolicyWise’s youth engagement strategy and were shared with the BC Provincial Health Office.

Youth Engagement Report

Developed with Agenda Gap youth in Alberta, this report shares best practices and evidence-based strategies to strengthen youth engagement in policy processes. Its findings informed PolicyWise’s youth engagement strategy and were shared with the BC Ministry of Health.

Featured Example: Mississauga Youth Lead Their Peers to Career Success

Mississauga Youth Lead Their Peers to Employment Success Mississauga Youth Lead Their Peers to Career Success

The second Mississauga Agenda Gap group identified that a lack of employment opportunities and limited job-readiness skills were negatively impacting wellbeing and community belonging.

Here’s how they took action:

  • Partnered with YMCA’s Youth for Entrepreneurship program to explore employment barriers and opportunities.
  • Developed and presented calls to action for local stakeholders.
  • Hosted an Employment Success Strategies Workshop featuring expert speakers and practical job-readiness tools.

Click through the carousel to learn more and to see highlights from their advocacy efforts.

Featured Example: Mississauga Youth Equip Peers for Employment Success

The second Mississauga Agenda Gap group identified that a lack of employment opportunities and limited job-readiness skills were negatively impacting wellbeing and community belonging.

Here’s how they took action:

  • Partnered with YMCA’s Youth for Entrepreneurship program to explore employment barriers and opportunities.
  • Developed and presented calls to action for local stakeholders.
  • Hosted an Employment Success Strategies Workshop featuring expert speakers and practical job-readiness tools.

Click through the carousel to learn more and to see highlights from their advocacy efforts.

Click to view group accomplishments:

Alberta

2022

Identifying best practices for meaningfully engaging youth in policy processes.

British Columbia

2023

Informing the Renewal of the School District’s Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students – 2025-2030.

2024

Improving youth access to community information about basic needs.

2024

Enhancing political representation by extending the voting age.

2020

Creating safe spaces for intergenerational dialogue about mental health.

2024

Relieving academic stress using community-based approaches to peer support, green space access and mental health literacy.

2021

Strengthening school-based anti-racism policies.

2023

Improving school district substance use response policies

2024

Strengthening youth-teacher relationships by integrating collaboration and trauma-informed approaches.

Nova Scotia

2024

Fostering school engagement through trauma-informed staff training.

2023

Ensuring transparency and consistency in school accommodation policies.

2024

Improving service access experiences for youth.

Ontario

2022

Creating supportive spaces in schools by promoting a positive understanding of mental health.

2023

Fostering community pathways for youth employment (including job-ready skills).

2024 

Expanding youth peer support to address isolation and peer pressure.

Agenda Gap Publications