Minister of Health's

Youth Advisory Council on Health & Wellness

A diverse group of youth from across BC who provide youth perspectives on health & well-being topics to inform BC Government decisions.

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The Minister of Health's Youth Advisory Council on Health and Wellness (BC YAC) is a group of Grade 8–12 students from across BC with a range of experiences of vaping, smoking, or using other nicotine products or substances.


The BC YAC is a project of McCreary, along with the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care.

The BC YAC offers youth perspectives on vaping, tobacco, and other nicotine products to help inform BC Government decisions on these and related issues that matter to young people. This includes sharing views on relevant policies, information, and resources.


The BC YAC also leads projects and has other opportunities to share insights on a broader range of youth health and well-being topics.

The BC YAC meets online once a month, with an in-person meeting hosted once a year (all travel costs are covered). BC YAC members receive $20 per hour for their work on the council, and typically work 2–3 hours per month. 


Youth will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone and access to the internet to join BC YAC meetings. McCreary will work with any youth who does not have access to these items to make sure they are able to participate. 

NOW RECRUITING

JOIN THE BC YAC!

Are you a Grade 8-11 student in BC? Do you have experience vaping, smoking, or using other nicotine products (e.g., pouches)?
We want you to join the BC YAC! The BC YAC is a paid opportunity, which includes monthly online meetings. Being part of the BC YAC can help you build work experience and make sure youth's voices are heard in government decisions. 

BC YAC REPORTS & RESOURCES

In addition to serving in an advisory role to the BC Ministry of Health and BC Ministry of Education and Child Care, the BC YAC conducts their own initiatives related to vaping, smoking, and other nicotine products.

BC youth's experiences with vaping and nicotine pouches

In 2025, the BC YAC led a study on the use of vapes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products among 2,784 BC youth aged 12–19.

Take A Hi(n)t:
A BC YAC zine on vaping

The BC YAC created a zine to share vaping-related findings from the 2023 BC AHS, as well as their own reflections and art on the topic.