NLIS 14
September 26, 2003
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)
 

Youth put cabinet ministers on hot seat at RuralEXPO 2003

Youth delegates posed questions, engaged in debate and challenged 11 cabinet ministers during a youth roundtable in Gander this afternoon. The session was part of the youth forum component of RuralEXPO 2003, a rural exhibition and conference taking place this weekend in Gander.

"The youth roundtable was an exciting and interactive session with representatives of our province�s youth," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote. "They asked tough questions, and had great insights into economic and community development. It is important to engage youth directly in the economic development of Newfoundland and Labrador through events like the youth forum."

The cabinet ministers who participated in the event included:

  • Judy M. Foote - Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development;
  • Gerry Reid - Minister of Education;
  • Robert Mercer - Minister of Environment;
  • Yvonne Jones - Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture;
  • Gerald Smith - Minister of Health and Community Services;
  • Ralph Wiseman - Minister of Human Resources and Employment;
  • Percy Barrett - Minister of Labour;
  • Oliver Langdon - Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs;
  • Anna Thistle - Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education;
  • Tom Lush - Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; and
  • James Walsh - Minister of Works, Services and Transportation.

Over 100 young people participated in the youth roundtable. They posed questions to cabinet ministers on important public policy issues facing the province, including health care, education, economic development and environmental matters.

Youth delegate Jay McGrath of Branch said the youth forum provided him with a unique opportunity. "Where else do you get the chance to sit face to face with the people who govern our province and tell them your ideas, concerns, and thoughts? The answer, nowhere!"

Kerri-lynn Porter of Englee agreed. "The youth forum provided us with an opportunity to learn more about our government and how, as young people, we can make a difference in our province," she said.

In addition to the round table session, the youth delegates are participating in the main RuralEXPO 2003 conference program, as well as youth-specific activities.

"The response that RuralEXPO 2003 has sparked from our province�s young people demonstrates their keen interest in community and economic development," said Minister Foote. "It is also a testament to the confidence and commitment that our young people have in the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

RuralEXPO 2003 is an initiative of the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, in partnership with representatives of Regional Economic Development Boards, Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Youth (FINALY!), the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives, Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Youth Ventures Corporation, the Regional Economic Development and Schools (REDAS) Program, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations.

For more information on the Youth Forum, or for a full schedule of RuralEXPO 2003 events, visit the RuralEXPO 2003 Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/ruralexpo/

Media contact: 
                                 Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 682-0366
                                 RuralEXPO 2003 Media Centre, (709) 651-2458

2003 09 26                                                     6:10 p.m.


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