Seventy Island students will take part in the province's first Junior Team Canada Regional Training Centre on May 17 and 18 at the University of Prince Edward Island.
The two-day program teaches young people about Canada's place in the global economy and is presented by Global Vision, a non-profit organization comprised of business, government and educational leaders. Students will receive information and participate in discussions on international business, exports and Canada's role in developing countries. There will be case study presentations as well as a networking luncheon.
"This session is an excellent learning opportunity for young Islanders. The recent trade mission in the eastern United States underlines the fact that there are many global opportunities for Prince Edward Island and there are many exciting opportunities for young Islanders to be very successful in the global marketplace. This training will help some realize their business goals," said Premier Pat Binns.
The PEI Junior Team Canada Regional Training Centre is one of 13 being held across the country this month and is open to students ages 16 to 25. Students from 10 Island high schools, UPEI, Holland College and the Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality Institute have registered to attend. Seminars will be led by Global Vision staff. "This is a dynamic program that will help to expand the horizons of our Island youth. The students will gain practical knowledge of everything from the benefits and challenges faced by companies entering the international marketplace to the impact of new technology on world trade," said George Proud, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough on behalf of the Honourable George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Students who attend the Junior Team Canada Regional Training Centres also become eligible for the chance to participate in an international Team Canada trade mission. The next trade mission is to Southeast Asia in August 2000.
Since Global Vision was founded in 1991, more than 4,000 students have participated in the Regional Training Centres, and 250 young Canadians have represented their country at trade missions to South America and Western Europe.
The Junior Team Canada Regional Training Centre in PEI is sponsored by local business and has also received a $20,000 contribution under the Canada/PEI Regional Economic Development Agreement (REDA) which is managed by ACOA and the PEI Department of Development and Technology.