Premier Pat Binns, Chair of the Council of the Federation, announced in the Legislature yesterday that, this summer, the Council of the Federation will bring together two participants from each province and territory across Canada for a Youth Forum aimed at increasing youth engagement in Canadian public affairs. The Council of the Federation will cover all travel costs for the Forum to be held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Participants (age 19-22) will be selected through an essay writing contest that will be administered in Prince Edward Island by IPAC, the Institute for Public Administration of Canada.
Increasing youth participation in democracy is an on-going challenge. Applicants are asked to address the following question: “What do you think governments and the Council of the Federation could do to capture your interest and involvement in Canadian federalism and public affairs?” This could involve the recognition of diversity in the federation, public service, public policy, voting, or other topics.
Applications must be received no later than May 15, 2004. Additional information and entry forms are available on the Web site: www.councilofthefederation.ca.
“I look forward to making the job of the selection committee difficult by having many excellent Island applicants,” said Premier Binns.