Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO appointed to provincial advisory council

Sarnia-Lambton’s chamber of commerce CEO has been appointed to a provincial advisory group on how to help young people succeed.

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“I’m really excited to have this opportunity,” said Carrie McEachran, appointed in November to a one-year term with the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity.

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The 16-member group that started in 2020 — McEachran said she joined after another member’s term ended — identifies economic barriers for youth and suggests ideas to the premier and the minister of children, community and social services.

McEachran, who previously was executive director at Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, an agency that offers various social support programs for youth, said her role on the council involves speaking with young people in Sarnia, engaging with groups such as Rebound and St. Clair Child and Youth Services, and making sure those voices are heard.

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“The chamber. . . we’re hearing from young people who are either starting businesses or interested in starting businesses, or just finishing school and wanting to come back to Sarnia, and what are the needs that these youth have,” she said.

Advising on the current and future needs of employers, and what young people need to thrive in a changing economy is key, she said.

Identifying challenges youth experience in accessing support services, as well as finding ways to support youth who are newcomers to the community are other aspects, McEachran said.

She’s also part of the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force that’s trying to boost immigration and newcomer retention in the community, like international students at Lambton College.

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Having a voice on the council is helpful for that cause, said task force chair Judith Morris.

“It’s about giving people opportunities for equal and unbiased reception, wherever they might be,” she said. “Whether it’s in stores, whether it’s in accessing jobs.”

McEachran is a great choice for the council, she said.

“She understands that all people need a chance and they all have different gifts that they can provide.”

The council met once in November and plans to meet five times this year, McEachran said.

“While important work is already happening, there is still more to be done to ensure a province where all Ontarians have access to opportunities to reach their full potential,” she said in a written statement.

“I look forward to this opportunity to ensure that young Ontarians not only have their voices and experiences heard, but have them actively considered (as part of) developing solutions that aim to dismantle inequities and empower youth in achieving their goals.”

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