The following statement was issued today by Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

This past weekend I attended a Bronze Medal Award ceremony in Stephenville for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Young Canadian�s Challenge is a citizenship and leadership program for young men and women. Through the program, youth participate in fitness, skill, service and expedition activities and receive awards at the bronze, silver, and gold levels.

The program is administered in Newfoundland and Labrador by a volunteer Provincial Council in partnership with the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

The Bronze Medal Award Ceremony this past weekend gave me an opportunity to meet some very talented youth of our province. The 29 Bronze Medal recipients obviously take pride in personal and community development. I�m sure my colleagues will join me in congratulating them on their impressive accomplishment.

I would also like to inform the House of a number of activities concerning the Duke of Edinburgh Award over the next few months. In May, the Western Council will be hosting the Silver Award Ceremony. The Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, will present Silver Awards to approximately 80 young people from across the province.

In addition, His Royal Highness, the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, will be in the province on May 31 and June 1 to take part in two Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program functions. On May 31 there will be a youth soiree in St. John�s for all participants. On June 1, His Royal Highness will take part in the Gold Awards Ceremony honouring over 100 of our youth.

It is important to encourage our youth and offer meaningful programs to help them develop strong social and professional skills. Programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards provide important recognition of the contributions our young people make in their own communities and to the province overall.

2005 04 19                           2:10 p.m.