Kingston transit advocate earns spot at prestigious national leadership conference

Dan Hendry recognized for growing youth transit movement spreading across Canada.

Dan Hendry, a Kingston-based youth transit advocate and co-founder of the Get on the Bus movement, has been selected to attend the 2026 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Hendry says it’s encouraging to see the movement gaining national recognition.

Hosted by the Rideau Hall Foundation, the conference brings together 250 emerging leaders from across the country in business, government, Indigenous leadership, labour and community organizations.

Hendry was chosen for his work expanding Get on the Bus, an initiative supported by the Small Change Fund that promotes youth access to public transit through free or low-cost transit passes.

What was inspired in Kingston has grown into a national movement, with nearly 30 communities exploring or launching youth transit programs. The initiative focuses on improving access to education, employment and community connections while also reducing emissions and encouraging transit use among young people.

Hendry said communities are increasingly recognizing that accessible transit creates opportunity and helps young people build independence and confidence.

The conference will begin in Quebec City and conclude in Ottawa later this year.

Story by Alyssa Brush