Harper Government Supports Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

TORONTO, April 4, 2013 - Joe Daniel, Member of Parliament (Don Valley East), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) for the 2013 edition of their National Youth Forum.

“The National Youth Forum 2013 is a wonderful occasion for young Canadians to come together to discuss ideas, develop new skills, and gain a better understanding of our country and aspects of its history and heritage,” said Mr. Daniel. “Our Government is pleased to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada hold this forum that will encourage its participants to become engaged in their future and in the future of Canada.”

This funding will enable 200 young people, aged 14 to 18, to take part in the event in Kamloops, British Columbia, from May 5 to 9, 2013. The Forum—whose theme this year is “Oasis”—allows participants to join in a variety of activities and day trips that will focus on health and wellness, self-esteem, arts and culture, and environmental awareness. Those taking part will also learn about Canadian history and heritage by visiting the Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town and by meeting with a local Aboriginal community.

“Our Government is offering young people the opportunity to connect with one another, exchange ideas, and explore their potential while deepening their knowledge of Canada and its history,” said Minister Moore. “We are proud to invest in programming that helps youth become active citizens who will contribute to the strength of our great country.”

“Thanks to the generous support of the Government of Canada, youth from across the country will be coming together in Kamloops, British Columbia, to discuss the issues that matter to them,” said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “BGCC’s National Youth Forum is a unique, youth-driven event that builds the confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills of participating youth and provides them with the tools to affect real change in their communities on their return.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $75,000 through the Exchanges Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative helps Canadian youth connect with one another, experience the diversity of Canada’s communities, languages and cultures, and get involved in the future of the country.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca