The Statistics Canada Census from 2011 shows that every rural community - as well as some urban centres - are losing their young people between the ages of 15 and 29.
OMAFRA Agricultural and Rural Economic Development Advisor Vicki Lass told Huron County councillors Wednesday about a survey conducted by students and for students, at Listowel District Secondary School.
Lass says the project recognizes that young will likely leave their rural community at some point - either for post-secondary education or just to see what the world offers.
The survey talks about engaging young people while they're in their home community, attracting them back and then keeping them in their home community.
Lass explains they have to feel engaged in their community; that they're helping to design the community they're going to come back to; and they're valued and needed in their home community.
What emerged in focus groups following the survey was the students were consistently being given the message that they had to leave to succeed, but didn't invited them back.
Lass says the Stats Can figures pointed out that there is also a disconnect between employers and educators because young people are not aware of the opportunities that exist in rural communities, and are often not being trained for the jobs that exist.
