News Releases
Winnipeg leaders to tackle challenges facing youth at risk
October 17 symposium brings together leaders in education, public safety, government, and community organizations to develop practical solutions
Youth facing barriers such as disengagement from school and concerns about community safety will be the focus of a major Winnipeg symposium bringing together leaders from education, public safety, government, social services, and community organizations.
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), Massey College at the University of Toronto, and Inner City Youth Alive will jointly convene the Youth at Risk in Winnipeg Symposium on October 17, 2026. The goal is to move beyond describing the challenges facing vulnerable young people and identify practical approaches that can improve outcomes.
Former Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis will deliver a keynote address on public safety and youth risk factors. Dr. John Wiens, Dean Emeritus of Education at the University of Manitoba, will address the role of education in supporting youth facing barriers. Hon. Renée Cable, Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Training, will deliver the luncheon address.
"Universities have a responsibility to help address the challenges facing our communities," said Dr. Cheryl Pauls, President of CMU. "It's up to all of us to create conditions so that every young person has the opportunity to flourish. Convening conversations like this is one way to help strengthen the supports, relationships, and opportunities that enable young people to realize their potential and contribute to our communities."
The symposium reflects the recognition that the challenges facing vulnerable young people often cross traditional boundaries. Education, family circumstances, community safety, social services, and public policy can all play a role, requiring different sectors to work together rather than in isolation.
Participants will be asked to identify practical policy recommendations and community-based approaches that can strengthen support for youth facing barriers. The objective is not simply to discuss the problems, but to develop actionable ideas that can inform future programs, collaborations, and public policy.
"When it comes to complex social issues, good intentions are not enough," said Tom Axworthy, Public Policy Chair at Massey College, University of Toronto. "Complex problems cannot be solved by any one sector acting alone. We need thoughtful public policy, informed discussion, and a willingness to examine what is working and what is not. This symposium is designed to move those conversations forward."
For Kent Dueck, Founder of Inner City Youth Alive, the symposium builds on nearly four decades of experience working with young people and families in Winnipeg's inner city.
"For nearly 40 years, we've walked alongside young people who face barriers that many Winnipeggers never see," Dueck said. "Behind every youth statistic is a young person with hopes, gifts, and untapped potential. Our experience has shown that when young people have trusted relationships, meaningful opportunities, and consistent support, remarkable things can happen. This event is an opportunity to explore how those supports can become more accessible to the youth who need them most."
The symposium will be particularly relevant to teachers and educators, social workers, counsellors, community and non-profit leaders, direct-service providers, school administrators, researchers, and government and public-policy professionals.
By bringing these perspectives together, organizers hope the symposium will lead to stronger collaboration, practical recommendations and continuing action to improve opportunities for Winnipeg's young people.
Youth at Risk in Winnipeg Symposium
October 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Marpeck Commons (2299 Grant Ave.)
Canadian Mennonite University
Details and registration: cmu.ca/youth-at-risk
Presented by:
Print This Article