SASKATOON, May 23, 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 of some students from River Heights School, this week, in one of the programs 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. These funds were 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 River Heights School, to participate in an exchange with students from Quebec. This rich experience will help them learn about cultures that are different from their own and enable them to apply their second official language learning."
"I am delighted that youth in my riding are taking advantage of a program as enriching as SEVEC," said Mr. Vellacott. "Youth can experience our country's great diversity by participating in exchanges. Our Government is giving young people the opportunity to continue taking part in exchanges like this one by ensuring that this program continues to serve young Canadians in the rest of the country."
"A cultural survey will be prepared by our students and given to their partners to help foster discussion about Canadian cultures," said Group Organizer, Angela Banda. "Information about our city and province will be collected and presented, along with some small gift bags, to the students from Rawdon upon their arrival."
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
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
