Community Youth Network Makes Landfall in Bonavista

The Community Youth Network (CYN) continues to expand across the province with the official launch of a new chapter for young people in Bonavista and the surrounding area. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, joined by members of the local Youth Advisory Committee and Roger FitzGerald, MHA for the District of Bonavista South, made the announcement today.

�With the expansion of the Community Youth Network, young people in the Bonavista area will soon enjoy access to a variety of programs and services to enable them to better plan a career, find employment and access recreation,� said Minister Skinner. �It is vitally important to engage young people in the life of their communities and build their leadership skills.�

Formed in 2006, the Bonavista Youth Advisory Committee serves youth in Trinity and Bonavista Bay communities. The committee brings together community partners, stakeholders and young people to explore social, academic, physical, and personal health opportunities. In conjunction with the local crime prevention initiative, the advisory group was instrumental in presenting the case for the establishment of a local CYN chapter.

�From learning to leadership, this network will bring partners together as we work towards a healthy and more vibrant youth community,� said Cindy Stead, youth committee member. �The new structure provides more regular access to relevant information and services and this enables young people in the Bonavista area to make more informed choices about their future.�

In Budget 2007, the Provincial Government provided $650,000 to expand the number of CYN chapters and improve programs and services. Of this, $300,000 is provided to establish six additional CYN chapters in underserved areas. In addition, $350,000 is allotted or outreach services through existing CYN chapters.

�With over 1,200 young people in the area, this Community Youth Network chapter is a welcome addition, and I am pleased that this cornerstone will enable the enhancement and development of services for and by young people in these communities,� said Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South.

The new Bonavista CYN chapter is hiring a coordinator to organize a work plan which will engage youth in the chapter development process. A key immediate objective for the new CYN is an assessment of program and service needs for youth in the region. A new board of directors, drawn from partners in the community, will be established.

�The expansion of the CYN to Bonavista is a significant initiative of the Poverty Reduction Strategy and an integral part of this government�s long-term commitment to youth,� said Minister Skinner. �I wish the community well as they move forward with this exciting and important initiative.�

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Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca

2007 08 06                                        1:05 p.m.