Atlantic Canada’s best and brightest students to compete for global recognition
News Release
National competition allows post-secondary students to demonstrate how their community projects are shaping Canada’s economic, social and environmental landscapes
May 12, 2017 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Innovation starts with skilled, talented and creative people. Atlantic Canada’s universities and colleges are preparing students to bring their new and innovative ideas to the workforce of the future, leading to the creation of more well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
From May 9 to 11, more than 900 post-secondary students from all over the country participated in Enactus Canada’s National Exposition in Vancouver, BC. During the event, over 150 Atlantic Canadian students showcased their community outreach projects and business ventures to academic and industry leaders. With their project to increase food security in the North, the Enactus team from Memorial University was named national champion following several rounds of competition and will represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup, to be held in London, England, in September.
Students who participate in Enactus become part of an environment that encourages sharing of best-practices, promotes innovation and entrepreneurial skills, and rewards excellence. The projects undertaken by students in the Atlantic region have had real impact in communities. One project reduced the unemployment rate in persons with autism by creating a program that connects individuals with autism to resources needed to start and grow their own businesses. Another empowered homeless youths living in a shelter to feed themselves by learning to farm and sell their own vegetables. A third initiative created a 20-week program to encourage at-risk youth to follow their entrepreneurial passions.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invested $54,039 through its Business Development Program to help Enactus Canada stage the Atlantic Regional Exposition, held in Halifax, NS in March 2017, and to allow regional winners and participants to take part in the national event.
Quotes
“Individually and collectively, students and young entrepreneurs are a tremendous asset to the region’s economy. By supporting initiatives like the ones delivered by Enactus Canada, the Government of Canada is helping to generate the conditions where entrepreneurial students can create jobs and opportunities in their communities, and contribute to the economic wealth of Atlantic Canada.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“Entrepreneurship and innovation are key to Canada’s economic success, and the 2,734 Enactus students across Canada bring these concepts to life everyday through their community projects and business ventures. Every year, we continue to be inspired by the work of our student community. This event is our opportunity to showcase and celebrate the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders from across Canada.”
- Nicole Almond, President, Enactus Canada
Quick Facts
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Enactus Canada is the country’s largest student leadership development organization operating within the walls of post-secondary institutions.
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Every year, Enactus Canada hosts three regional expositions (Atlantic, Central and Western Canada) and a national exposition.
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During the 2015-2016 academic year, Enactus Canada engaged nearly 500 students across Atlantic Canada, delivering over 80 community development projects and businesses. The Enactus team from Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador earned the title of Enactus World Champion at the 2016 Enactus World Cup.
Associated Links
Contacts
Ronald Levesque
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ronald.Levesque@canada.ca
Tel: 506-871-0721
Jennifer Falzon
Director, Marketing and Strategic Growth
Enactus Canada
jen@enactus.ca
Phone: 416-304-1566 Ext: 22