OTTAWA, July 6, 2005 -- This week, some 1200 Canadian students will start their new jobs as part of the Summer Work Student Exchange Program. Participants in the Program, aged 16 and 17, will work for six weeks in summer jobs in another part of the country where they will practise their second language. Minister for Internal Trade, Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Vanier) Mauril Bélanger, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, took this opportunity today to announce $6,147,060 in funding for the program."This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to better appreciate their country, its diversity, and its linguistic duality," said Minister Bélanger. "This program will also allow them to develop skills that they can use in their future careers. The exchanges represent an experience that they will benefit from for a lifetime.""The Government of Canada is committed to encouraging young people to become committed citizens who are interested in learning more about the multiple aspects of their country," said Minister Frulla. "I would like to wish each and every student a rewarding exchange experience."The Summer Work Student Exchange Program, which is administered by the Canadian Unity Council, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Students selected for the program have the opportunity to spend six weeks (from early July to mid-August) in another part of the country and work at a summer job while improving their second official language. During their stay, the students live with the family of a student with whom they have been paired. Co-ordinators, who are usually university students, supervise program participants and organize social and cultural activities.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Exchanges Canada Program.For more information on a variety of exchange programs, please visit www.exchanges.gc.caFunding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Orli NamianDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister for Internal Trade and Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons(613) 996-6708Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
