GATINEAU, April 6, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Gatineau) Françoise Boivin, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $47,750 in funding for Global Vision and its Youth Ambassador Program. The funding will help cover travel expenses for participants of the Youth Ambassador Program Forum. "Our young people can make a difference in their communities," said Ms. Boivin. "This new initiative will enable them to work on innovative local projects, and to represent their communities at the national level.""Global Vision challenges youth to get involved in their communities and put their leadership skills into action," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud that our government is getting behind the Youth Ambassador Program, and I wish these young people every success along the way."The Forum, which will take place over four days in May, will bring together 50 young Canadians from across the country, aged 16 to 25, to share their community awareness projects. It will also give the participants an opportunity to build a youth network throughout Canada. The Forum will provide a platform for young leaders to share their stories, insights, and ideas, and offer them a chance to put their projects into action. Global Vision is an international non-profit organization founded in 1991 that encourages young Canadians to make a difference at the local and international level. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Exchanges Canada program.Funding announced today was provided for in February 2005 federal budget.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Ursula StrolenbergExecutive AssistantOffice of Françoise Boivin, M.P.(613) 992-4351Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
