NORTH BAY, April 13, 2004 -- Bob Wood, Member of Parliament (Nipissing), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today congratulated organizers of the 2004 Interchange on Canadian Studies (ICS) program for encouraging young Canadians to participate in the political, economic, and cultural life of Canada."I am extremely pleased that the ICS conference is being held in North Bay this year, and will focus on the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ontario." said Mr. Wood. "Northern Ontario is a perfect venue for the theme of this year's conference, which is Canada's History: Our Natural Resources'. The young delegates will discover the value of our resources and how they contribute to Canadian life.""For 33 years now, the ICS program has organized youth conferences, bringing together young people from all across the country to discuss issues important to them and to Canada," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Encouraging young people to participate in and shape Canadian life is very important; we all benefit from their fresh outlook and their passion for Canada."The Government of Canada is providing more than $150,000 to the ICS program, a non-profit organization created in 1972 and incorporated in 1998. This week-long national exchange, which takes place from May 8th to 15th, is held in a different part of Canada each year and brings together some 260 senior high school students.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Exchanges Canada program. This program creates opportunities for young Canadians to gain a better understanding of their country, to connect with one another, and to experience the diversity of Canada's communities, languages, and cultures.Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Lindsay Furlong Executive Assistant Office of Bob Wood (705) 474-3700 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
