March 29, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Youth Conference celebrating 50th anniversary of Confederation to begin today in Gambo

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says he is delighted that youth from across Newfoundland and Labrador will partake in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Confederation by participating in a Youth Conference in Gambo, the birthplace of Joey Smallwood. The conference will begin this afternoon and conclude with the students' attendance at the Gala Concert on Wednesday evening in St. John's, the province's actual 50th anniversary of Confederation with Canada.

"Twenty-five enthusiastic young people from across Newfoundland and Labrador will debate of the pros and cons of Confederation with Canada among other things during the Youth Conference this week," said Furey. "Newfoundland and Labrador's youth are the key to the future of our province and I believe it is important that they are actively involved in the celebrations in order to learn about the province's history and our role in the future of Canada."

The main portion of the conference takes place on Tuesday, March 30, when the students will hear from guest speakers: Ray Goulding, a local teacher; and Dr. Otto Tucker, a retired professor (and actor who played - Grandpa Walcott in Tales from Pigeon Inlet on CBC television.) Following this the students will engage in a debate of the issues of Confederation. In the evening the students will view a Confederation play, performed by the local theatre troupe "Acting Up."

On Wednesday morning the group will travel to St. John's where they will receive a tour of Memorial University of Newfoundland. In the afternoon five students from the group will be chosen to participate in the Town Hall portion of the Canada Conference. All youth will attend the Gala Concert Wednesday evening. The conference was organized by the Town of Gambo, Soiree '99, and the Government of Canada.

For more information about the Youth Conference, please call: Roger Samson, Youth Coordinator for Soiree '99 at (709) 729-1999.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

1999 03 26 3:55 p.m.