Creativity in Leadership
News Release
Conference to support youth looking to make a difference in their communities
July 11, 2017 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Excitement is building around a new festival in Prince Edward Island which brings together creative culture and social change. The inaugural PEI Food, Film & Ideas Festival (PEI Fest 2017) will feature international film screenings, expert presentations and lively discussion panels, all centered around locally inspired cuisine. A youth conference component invites young people to learn from established artists, creative professionals and entrepreneurial leaders. In the Atlantic region and across the country, the Government of Canada is working to support an inclusive economy, where entrepreneurs at all career stages are given an opportunity to build on their skills, innovate, and succeed.
Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), together with the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister for Economic Development and Tourism and the Honourable Paula Biggar, PEI Minister for the Status of Women, today announced project support to the PEI Cultural Human Resources Sector Council (Culture PEI).
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), is contributing a total of $43,388 (non-repayable) to assist with Culture PEI’s Youth Social Entrepreneurial Conference (YSEC), part of PEI Fest 2017. The Province of PEI is providing $37,500 through Innovation PEI, and a further $2,500 through the PEI International Women’s Secretariat.
Through a series of workshops and presentations, YSEC will provide youth with opportunities to network and be inspired by mentors, while providing them with practical tools to contribute to the growing digital and social enterprise sector.
Quotes
“It is heartening to see wide support from the creative and business communities for this conference. Youth engagement is vital to a strong and diverse economy, and I am pleased to see the important role of our youth recognized in the Government of Canada’s economic plan. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, we are connecting with individuals, businesses and organizations to make a lasting, positive impact.”
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“This conference will give young people an excellent opportunity to learn from industry professionals about the potential for entrepreneurs interested in social enterprises. This kind of mentorship and guidance is very important for emerging sectors like digital and social enterprise and the knowledge participants will gain will be invaluable if they choose to move into this field. This will be an excellent component PEI Fest 2017.”
Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister for Economic Development and Tourism
“We are thrilled to launch the PEI Fest’s Youth Social Entrepreneurial Conference with the generous support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Sessions will focus on practical and innovative ways for delegates to build, grow, and expand their knowledge, skills, and networks. Keynotes and talks with internationally recognized experts will serve to deepen conversations, build awareness, and generate impact.”
Colin Stanfield, President, PEI Film, Food & Idea Festival
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
Hannah Bell
Project Coordinator
PEI Youth Entrepreneurship Conference
902-940-1375