VIRDEN, Manitoba, May 9, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mr. Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament (Brandon-Souris), today highlighted that some students from Virden Collegiate Institute are participating 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.
"Participating in Canadian society is an excellent way for youth to learn about our country's great diversity," said the Hon. Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "By ensuring that the Exchanges Canada program continues to serve young Canadians all over the country, Canada's New Government has given them the opportunity to continue taking part in exchanges like this one."
"I am delighted with the idea of seeing young people in my riding taking advantage of a program as enriching as SEVEC," Mr. Tweed stated. "This experience will enable them to learn more about our vast country while forming bonds of friendship with youth from another province."
"When I was planning this exchange, I wanted the exchange students to know what life was like in their host communities," Rita Eslinger said. "It was important for me that the group spend time visiting local attractions as well as the people in the community so that they could appreciate the real value of the region's history and geography."
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.
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.
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
