HAMMONDS PLAINS, Nova Scotia, May 20, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova), today announced the names of the winners in four age groups and the provincial finalist in the Canada Day Poster Challenge 2010.
Matthew Ryan Benteau, age 11, attends Madeline Symonds Middle School in Hammonds Plains. His artwork stood out from the other entries by interpreting this year's theme, "My Canada is..." in a fresh and inspired way.
"What great talent young Canadians have shown us once again through the Canada Day Poster Challenge! I'm always amazed by the creativity that emerges from the participants and the pride they express in their illustration," said Minister Moore. "These works of art reflect what our country's young artists think and feel about their Canada, and it is very meaningful."
"The Poster Challenge is a great opportunity for young Canadians to express what Canada means to them and to share their creativity with other young people from coast to coast to coast," said Minister MacKay. "It allows them to demonstrate their pride in being Canadian and to inspire others."
In Nova Scotia, more than 740 young people between the ages of 5 and 18 rose to the Challenge this year. The provincial finalist was chosen from among the four winners in the following age groups:
- 5 to 8 years: Ashantae Elisha Spalding, age 8, Rockingham School, Halifax
- 9 to11 years: Matthew Ryan Benteau, age 11, Madeline Symonds Middle School, Hammonds Plains
- 12 to14 years: Aliah Schwartz, age 13, home-schooled, Canning
- 15 to18 years: Jillian Kendrick, age 16, Barrington Municipal High School, Barrington Passage
Matthew Ryan Benteau is among the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The national winner's work will become the official poster for Celebrate Canada. The 13 provincial and territorial finalists will all win a laptop computer loaded with options.
The Poster Challenge program, created in 1987, encourages young Canadians to learn more about Canada, which makes them even more proud of our country and strengthens their feeling of belonging.
For more information on the Canada Day Poster Challenge 2010, visit www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
