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<title>MINISTERS HIGHLIGHT SUCCESS OF YOUTH INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DURING CANADA CAREER WEEK</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">November 4, 1998 <em> (6:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 255</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">MINISTERS HIGHLIGHT SUCCESS OF YOUTH INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
DURING CANADA CAREER WEEK</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On the occasion of Canada Career Week, Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and International Trade
Minister Sergio Marchi highlighted the success of the Youth International Internship Program (YIIP) in launching
the international careers of more than a thousand young Canadians. The YIIP is part of the Government of
Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES).</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The Youth International Internship Program is a prime example of the Government's commitment to help
Canada's youth gain valuable work experience, both at home and abroad," said Mr. Axworthy. "The young
people who participated have proven to be effective, engaged members of our increasingly global society. Their
talent and dynamism have brought credit to the reputation of Canada's youth."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">To mark Canada Career Week, the Ministers met with youth participants, implementing organizations and
employers to congratulate them on their successful program, and to celebrate the launch of international
careers for the former interns. The Ministers also had an opportunity to view firsthand some examples of the fine
work done by the youth interns.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Without the overseas connections and hard work of the Department's partners who arranged the placements,
this program would not have been possible," said </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Mr. Marchi. "We would particularly like to thank the employers and host organizations who provided financial
support or in-kind contributions to make these internships a success."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The internships support the three main pillars of Canadian foreign policy -- international trade (42%),
peacebuilding (42%) and culture (16%). In terms of geographic distribution, 31% took place in Europe, 16% in
Asia, 15% in Africa and the Middle East, 14% in the United States, 11% in Latin America and 12% in Canada,
focusing on international issues.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Results indicate that about 78% of the interns found work upon completion of their internships. Another 12%
returned to school and the remaining 10% had job prospects or were looking for work.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Launched in February 1997, youth international internship programs are delivered by the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade, the Canadian International Development Agency, Human Resources
Development Canada, Environment Canada, Industry Canada, and Canadian Heritage. Funding is built into the
existing fiscal framework.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Youth International
Internship Program call:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 944-2415 in the Ottawa/Hull area or</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">1-800-559-2888 from other areas of Canada;</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">or consult the Department's Youth Web site at: </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/english/culture/youth/menu.htm).</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 - </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Leslie Swartman</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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