The Rural Municipality of Ritchot has added a junior councillor.

Mayor Chris Ewen says Jessica Saini, a grade 12 student who attends school in St. Norbert has joined the team.

"We're excited to introduce Jessica Saini to the council room for the year of 2020," says Ewen. "She will make a great member, she is very knowledgeable."

Ewen says Saini is looking to do great things with her life and council is excited to have her on board and happy to have her living in the municipality.

Meanwhile, Ewen says he is thrilled to see interest picking up in this position. He notes a year ago they received only one application, but this year they took in three.

"Unfortunately, we can only accept one at a time, but next year we are expecting even more," he says. "It's a great opportunity for young people to get in there, talk to us about their opportunities, comments or concerns with some of the decisions council makes."

In Ritchot, the junior councillor is allowed to sit in on debates and discussions but has no power to vote. Ewen says it pleases him to see young people in the municipality receive opportunities that were not around for him as a youth.

"Had I had that at a younger age, had I learned about it in school, I think not only would it have benefit my resume but it also would have benefit my knowledge and understanding of how I can make a difference for my local communities or my municipality," he says.

In addition to the junior councillor position, Ewen says he also visits schools to talk about the life of a mayor and councillor.

"I really hope that what we're doing as the council of Ritchot is making an impact on every junior councillor or every school kid's life and decisions for their future life," he adds.

And Ewen says it is not only the student who benefits. He says council is sometimes provided an out-of-the-box perspective.

"It gives us the opportunity to step back and listen to them and really think about the future and the younger generation what would be best or an opportunity for them," says Ewen. "Because at the end of the day the future generation will become the next council."