News release
B.C. Youth-led Conference Emphasizes Leadership and Community
Ottawa, Ontario - March 11, 2005 - More than one hundred young people from across B.C. will be brought together for a two-day conference to enhance leadership and explore community development initiatives, with support from the Government of Canada.
Wayne Easter, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food with special emphasis on Rural Development, announced the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. (CFDABC) will receive $14,600 towards the 2005 BC Youth Community Leadership Summit in Vancouver. The 2005 conference: Lead out Loud Summit, to be held March 18-19, will bring approximately 125 participants together, and will provide a venue for young people to: exchange information on best practices in youth-led community development initiatives; connect young community leaders from across the province to one another and enhance their leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development skills; and build a foundation for a knowledgeable and inclusive provincial network of young leaders.
"The potential of youth needs to be recognized as key to the growth of any community, rural and urban," said Mr. Easter. "The Government of Canada hopes young people will come away from this conference inspired and prepared to take action, and that a network will be in place where they can continue to be empowered by their peers."
The conference builds on previous youth initiatives supported by Rural Team BC of the Canadian Rural Partnership, the CFDABC, and partners from federal and provincial governments and community organizations. These initiatives have included such activities as youth dialogues, the development of the BC Youth Community Learning Network and supporting young people from across the province to participate in various conferences and events.
"British Columbia's youth will benefit from this opportunity and will be encouraged to shape a positive future for our province," noted David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Senior Co-regional Minister for British Columbia.
"Community Futures believes in the value of helping young people access learning and network building opportunities so that they develop strong roots in their communities and become valued and productive citizens," said Ken White, CFDA Chairperson. "The 2005 Lead Out Loud Summit will help build on the efforts of Community Futures and its valued partners to actively involve youth in the community economic development process."
"Youth can be a very important catalyst and it is our objective to work with them to build stronger rural communities," added Mr. Easter.
Funding for the BC Youth Community Leadership Conference 2005 comes from the $5-million, five-year Community Capacity Building plan announced in June, 2002. The Government of Canada believes that vibrant communities and a sustainable resource base are the foundations for a strong rural Canada.
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For more information, media may contact:
Rural Communications
Rural Secretariat
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: (604) 666-1677
Or: (604) 787-6637
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