CAMPBELLTON, April 6, 2004 -- Dr. Jeannot Castonguay, Member of Parliament (Madawaska--Restigouche), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced the Government of Canada's collaboration with the Association des anciens, anciennes et ami-e-s du Collège communautaire de Campbellton to present a national youth forum entitled Forum national de Jeunes en insertion. This project will allow young socially disadvantaged Acadians to meet with other youth who face similar issues. This activity is part of the celebrations to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia."Improving the lives of our youth is an issue that concerns each and every one of us," said Dr. Castonguay. "The Government of Canada's participation in this project will enable young Canadians, and particularly young Acadians, to acquire knowledge that will help them throughout their lives.""The future of our youth is the future of Canada," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "The Government of Canada is committed to providing young Canadians with the tools that will help to strengthen our social foundations. This project supports our goals of building a stronger Canadian society by reinforcing links between groups of young people, and among all citizens. These young people will be better equipped to establish a place for themselves in society and to contribute their ideas, skills, and creativity.""We want to help young Canadians discover and develop their entrepreneurial spirit," said Minister McGuire. "Our involvement in this project demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to invest in human resources. We encourage the Forum's participants to apply their skills and creativity to foster economic development in their communities."The Forum will bring together more than 60 socially disadvantaged participants between the ages of 18 and 25 from all regions of Canada, and more than 10 participants from the Île-de-France region of France. The Forum will be held in Campbellton from May 30 to June 4, 2004. The Association will teach participants about Acadian culture and the history of Acadia from 1604 to today, as well as focus on their leadership and entrepreneurial skills in order to improve their career opportunities and their involvement in the community. The group will receive $70,000 to support this initiative.Funding is provided under the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a $10-million, three-year initiative funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the ACOA. The Partnership will stimulate economic development in the cultural sector and serve to celebrate the history and the cultural diversity of Atlantic Canada.Funding for this projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Marlyne Côté-Castonguay Special Assistant Office of Dr. Jeannot Castonguay (506) 739-4600 Stephen Heckbert Director of communications Office of the Honourable Joe McGuire (613) 941-7241 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
