SASKATOON, May 17, 2007- On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Woman, Mr. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon--Wanuskewin), today highlighted the participation, this week, of some of Hague High School's students in a program offered by the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC), an organization supported by Canada's New Government through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Exchanges Canada program.
On March 22, Minister Oda announced additional support of $600,000 for SEVEC as part of the Exchanges Canada program. This financial support was in addition to the $13.5 million allocated to SEVEC over three years, under an agreement signed in June 2006.
"Discovering different aspects of Canadian society is an excellent way for young people to experience our country's great diversity," said Minister Oda. "By supporting the Exchanges Canada program, Canada's New Government has given the opportunity to our young Canadians, like the students of Hague High School, to meet other students living in the province of Quebec, to take part in meaningful debates, and to experience our rich diversity and culture."
"I am delighted with the idea of seeing youth in my riding taking advantage of a program as enriching as SEVEC," said Mr. Vellacott. "This exchange is sure to broaden these students' horizons and offer them exciting adventures and challenges."
"After receiving their twin's personal and contact information, the students immediately began e-mailing each other, which has been both entertaining and a learning opportunity," said Group Organizer, Barb Sharp. "They are also using their French in an authentic setting, and for an exciting reason. They are highly motivated, and are looking forward to meeting their twins from Laval in person."
Founded in 1981, SEVEC is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to organize, facilitate and promote educational exchanges in Canada. These exchanges aim to promote mutual respect and understanding among the young participants through programs that explore language and culture.
The Exchanges Canada program offers young Canadians the opportunity to discover their country, to meet youth from across Canada and to experience the diversity of Canada's communities, languages, and cultures. Under this program, the Government of Canada funds exchanges between youth from 12 to 17 years of age.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian
Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-778
Tim Bloedow
Legislative Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament (Saskatoon--Wanuskewin)
613 992-1966
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
