News release
Office of the Secretary of State
(Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
NATIONAL RURAL YOUTH NETWORK COUNCIL SELECTED
OTTAWA, May 30, 2003 - The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) today confirmed the appointment of Shawna Wallace of Hanna, Alberta, as one of 13 new representatives to the council of the National Rural Youth Network (NRYN).
The NRYN, currently a 165-member organization of youths between the ages of 18 and 29 who represent rural, remote and northern communities across the country, was launched at the National Rural Conference in April 2002. Its goals are to provide a forum for youth to learn from one another, connect with peers and share information. The council will be preparing the first annual plan for the network, including how to build membership, and members will also be providing input into various government policies and initiatives. NYRN council members were selected by their peers at the recent National Rural Youth Conference in Orillia, Ontario.
"I'm pleased the Network's members represent the diversity and talents that are so prevalent in today's young people," said Mr. Mitchell. "They will help set the course for maintaining and improving life for youth living in our rural and remote communities. If these young people are any indication, our future is in good hands."
Shawna Wallace's main goal is to help a group of rural youth and organizations work together to promote community development and sustainability in rural Alberta by providing networking, educational resources, leadership and skills development to the province's youth. The group will also act as an advisory board to several provincial ministries dealing with youth issues.
"Our country was built on foundations of rural communities and it is an honour and a privilege for me to be able to represent Alberta youth in the quest to sustain our rural communities," says Ms Wallace.
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For more information, please contact:
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Christine Aquino Press Secretary Office of the Secretary of State (613) 759-1085 |
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Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa (613) 759-7972 |
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Nathanael Olson Senior Policy Adviser, Alberta (403) 292-4922 olsonn@agr.gc.ca |
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