Iqaluit, NU - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced today that the Government of Canada will expand the Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) Programme to include 17 7 new JCR Patrols and increase participation by approximately 500 youth by 2012-2013.
"The future of the Arctic matters to all Canadians and to the world," said Minister MacKay. "That is why Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our go vernment are dedicated to our North by protecting its environmental and cultural heritage, promoting economic and social development, and protecting the Arctic's sovereignty."
By expanding the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme with an investm ent of $3.6 million, the government will help ensure that the culture, traditions and customs of our Arctic communities are preserved and will continue for future generations.
The JCR, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, is a practical youth program that strives to strengthen remote and isolated Canadian communities in an altruistic and responsible manner. The aim of the program is to promote traditional cultures and lifestyles by offering a variety of structured activities to young people living in remote and isolated communities.
There are approximately 3,400 JCRs in 113 remote and isolated communities across Canada. Many of these youth are aboriginal and speak a language other than English or French.
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For additional information please contact JTF (North) Public Affairs Lieutenant(N) Jordan Holder at 867 767-8629 or Ms. Summer Halliday at, 867-873-0700 x6922 or 867-765-8624.
Information regarding the Junior Canadian R angers Programme can be found on the website at www.jcr-rjc.ca.
