REGINA, March 14, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament (Regina-Qu'Appelle), today announced $99,768 in funding for the North Central Family Centre. These funds will support the Centre's Youth Empowerment Program, a project designed to eliminate major barriers for Aboriginal youth participants.
"Canada's New Government is proud to support initiatives designed to improve the quality of life of urban Aboriginal youth and help them meet their needs," said Minister Oda. "Investing in youth-centered projects such as the Youth Empowerment Program demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative opportunities for Aboriginal youth."
"Our Government believes that youth programs are a key component of building a strong, prosperous, and united Canada, and by investing in our youth today, we will all reap benefits tomorrow," said Mr. Scheer. "I am proud that we can support a local agency - the North Central Family Centre - in their work to support Aboriginal youth through this Youth Empowerment Program."
"This contribution has enabled North Central Family Centre to give more youth of Regina's North Central community the opportunity to succeed, to enlarge their ambitions, and to pursue their dreams," said Sandy Wankel, Executive Director of the North Central Family Center. "With this contribution our hope is to make our community stronger, their lives richer and their future brighter."
This project aims to build capacity for Regina's Aboriginal youth, to empower them to make positive choices and to improve their economic, social and personal prospects. The Youth Empowerment program will assist youth in reclaiming culture, respect and dignity so they can be proud of their Aboriginal identity. The project activities will assist Aboriginal youth with successful participation in community life. It is anticipated that the project will help approximately 25-30 Aboriginal youth.
Canada's New Government will provide financial assistance through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre component of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This component provides Aboriginal people, aged 15 to 24, living in urban settings, with projects and activities that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community. This component helps Aboriginal young people improve their economic, social, and personal prospects.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Status of Women
819 997-7788
Colin McSweeney
Parliamentary Assistant
Office of the Member of
Parliament for Regina
Qu'Appelle
613 992-4593
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
