If you ask Tyson Wilson, the future of Prince Edward Island is bright.

As founder and president of the Next Chapter, the 15-year-old considers P.E.I. youth an important part of shaping that future — so much so that he’d launched his own youth political organization.

The Next Chapter is a youth-led, non-partisan group that aims to educate and engage the Island’s youth in politics.   

For Wilson, the motivation was simple.

“I had seen a lot I didn’t agree with, and I figured nobody is going to speak for me if I don’t do it myself,” he told CBC News. 

“I wanted to put together a team of people that were like-minded, and a group of people that would really work towards our goals … a group of people that people could look up to.”

The Next Chapter has a team of nine executive members, all still in high school. 

At just 16 years old, vice-president Clarity Smith is ready to have her voice heard. 

“I just knew I couldn’t turn down this opportunity,” she said.

Smith said young Islanders are concerned about a wide range of issues — from vaping to bullying in schools — and this group’s efforts are a way to bring some of them to the forefront. 

“I witness these issues every single day … so I thought if someone is to do it, it should be me and my friends.”

‘The youth are our future’

The group’s official launch took place Saturday at the Wilmot Community Centre in Summerside. Islanders of all ages stopped by to check things out — including some MLAs. 

“I’m just so proud and pleased to be here,” said Carolyn Simpson, the MLA for District 9, Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park. 

“We’re talking about high school students that are committed to this province and moving us forward. I just can’t wait to watch what they do.”

Simpson first crossed paths with the leaders when they took part in the Rotary Youth Parliament program, where their bright futures were apparent even then, she said. 

“They’re hoping to help other youth to understand as early as possible that they have a voice and their voice matters and not to be apathetic. That they really will change what the future looks like for them and for all of us.”

Susie Dillon, MLA for District 11, Charlottetown-Belvedere, echoed these sentiments, adding it was essential she show up and show her support. 

“The youth are our future, and it’s important to be able to listen to what they have to say, and support their efforts in wanting to make change,” she said. 

“I’m excited that we have a group that wants to engage other youth in understanding what guides our province into next generations.”

‘We’re what’s next’ 

Both politicians took the launch as a way to develop a plan to work with the teens moving forward. 

For Simpson, that means speaking with representatives in the group to hear what young people want to see happen in her district. Dillon said she’s eager to help spread word of the group’s efforts through social media.

Wilson said the MLAs’ attendance spoke volumes.

“I don’t think they would have come if they didn’t want to work [with us].” 

The team foresees its “next chapter” as a busy one that will include putting on presentations for schools across the Island. 

Wilson encourages anyone who wants to learn more about Island policies and systems to take part in the organization and its conversations abouot youth political involvement. 

The group now has pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, where Wilson welcomes questions from newcomers.

‘We’re what’s next. If we don’t understand [politics], then what’s going to happen to our Island,” he asked. 

“I’m comfortable with the fact that the Island’s in good hands.”