Media
Governor General hosts first-ever Youth Forum at Rideau HallFebruary 13, 2002 OTTAWA - Rideau Hall will be filled with the bustle of more than one hundred Grade 12 and Secondary 5 students from across the country this week as Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada and His Excellency John Ralston Saul host the first-ever Governor General's Youth Forum at Rideau Hall from February 13-17, 2002. "As we have travelled the country over the past two years, John Ralston Saul and I have been struck by the young people we have met. Whether in schools, in 4-H clubs or volunteering in countless organizations, Canada's youth bring incredible energy, new ideas and impressive engagement to their communities and to the challenges they face," said the Governor General. "We want to tap into that, share it among young people from all over Canada." The forum's main theme will be community building. Delegates will share different concepts of community, identify and discuss challenges youth face in participating in the building of their communities, as well as exchange experiences in facing and overcoming these challenges. Looking to the future, they will focus on how they see their contribution to their communities, and as a result, to our country. The four-day forum is part of the year-long celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the first Canadian citizen - Vincent Massey - to be appointed Governor General. Since then, all Governors General have been Canadian. "In this 50th anniversary year, as we look back on the achievements we have made as a society, it is important that we also look ahead," added Clarkson. "Together with these impressive young students, we will learn as they gather up their hopes for the future and give them a solid direction." Throughout the rest of the year, Youth Forum delegates will have the opportunity to share what they have learned by acting as advisors in the planning of upcoming youth activities in their regions, including roundtables and other events with young people during the Governor General's regional visits to their communities. Forum highlights will include:
STUDENTS FROM EVERY PROVINCE AND TERRITORY WILL ATTEND THE FORUM. PLEASE SEE THE LIST BELOW OF THE COMMUNITIES REPRESENTED. MEDIA INTERESTED IN COVERING EVENTS DURING THE FORUM OR WISHING TO INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. Media information: Stewart Wheeler Students from the following communities will attend the Governor General's Youth Forum:
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