Inuvik - After being sworn in last week, it's now official: Peter Lennie will serve on town council as the new student rep for Samuel Hearne.

Peter Lennie, left, the new student representative on the Inuvik Town Council, stands with Mayor Derek Lindsay. The Samuel Hearne student was sworn in last week. Lindsay said the student program has been in effect since 1996. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Lennie, a Grade 12 student, said he first heard about the position through the student council.

"A few of my friends and myself decided to become involved in the student council," he said.

After being elected to the student council at Samuel Hearne, Lennie was chosen by his peers to represent the school at town hall.

"I stayed on after a few of my friends backed out," he said.

Lennie was elected vice-president and town council rep during a meeting last month at the school.

"I didn't know I was going to make it this far," he said.

Lennie's position gives him the privilege to sit on council with the other councillors, but as Mayor Derek Lindsay explained, he cannot vote.

"The student councillor does not have voting power, but will be available to sit on any committee," said Lindsay.

Lennie was sworn in last week and will sit with council for the first time on Nov. 12.

Lindsay said the student position has been in place since the days of former Mayor George Roach.

"It was back in 1996, when George was mayor that the first student position was filled," said Lindsay.

"We've had a young person on board ever since."

The term of the student is up to the discretion of the student body in the school.

"A term could only be one year, or as many as the students are comfortable with," said Lindsay.

"Some students have gone on for two years, until the student body calls an election."

Lindsay said the program was set up through council so the elected student would not get cash for attending meetings, but a bursary for post-secondary education.

The position was a good way to connect with the youth of the community and to have another perspective at the table, Lindsay said.

"It's instrumental in getting input from the youth in the community," he said.

"It's a good way to hear their ideas and what they think of how we are running the community."

The mayor added that the town council is the first step that the student can take.

"If they want to sit on any committee, they can if they want," said Lindsay.

Even though he cannot vote, Lindsay said that Lennie will always have a voice on council.

"We look forward to his input and what he has to say on any issue," said Lindsay.

It was during a meeting about the curfew bylaw that Lindsay first saw Lennie at the discussion table.

"Mr. Lennie was at the meeting and he was very outspoken about the issue," said Lindsay.

"When I first met Peter I thought of him as a prize candidate for the position. He is a well-spoken young man and seems to have his head on straight."