Education
June 2, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education:

Students Participate in Country’s Largest Youth Forum

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Provincial Government’s continued support for a program which, for 32 years, has provided thousands of young Canadians, including those from Newfoundland and Labrador, with a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about their country.

Encounters with Canada is our country’s largest national youth forum. This bilingual program gives youth aged 14 to 17, from different backgrounds and regions, the opportunity to travel to the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre in Ottawa where they get to know one another, discover their country, and gain a better understanding of Canada's institutions.

Mr. Speaker, from September to May each year, about 3,000 students from across the country participate in this program. They spend a week in the nation’s capital experiencing a number of activities that promote youth leadership, citizenship and engagement. They participate in hands-on workshops and presentations, get the opportunity to meet famous and accomplished Canadians, and explore future career options.

This year, the Department of Education is providing $21,200 to enable 212 high school students from Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in Encounters with Canada. We are proud to continue to support a program that not only enhances the curriculum in our schools, but opens minds, inspires leadership, and presents new opportunities to young Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, over the past 32 years, 96,000 young Canadians have participated in this exceptional learning experience. I have no doubt the students from this province who participate in Encounters with Canada during this coming school year will come home describing it as an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

2014 06 02                                        1:50 p.m.