Harper Government Invests in Canada's Youth: Forces AVENIR

LÉVIS, QC, June 2, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament (Lévis-Bellechasse), today announced support for the program Forces AVENIR on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. This investment in youth programming will motivate young people to undertake civic initiatives and recognize their involvement in their communities.

Forces AVENIR promotes, recognizes, and honours the engagement of young people by encouraging them to submit civic commitment projects on different themes, including arts and culture, entrepreneurship, sports and recreational activities, and the environment. The best projects are selected by a jury and profiled in short video clips that air on Télé-Québec, thus providing positive role models for other young citizens. This program benefits 3,250 young people from across the province of Quebec.

"We are proud to invest in successful, affordable youth programs that give our young people the chance to learn about what makes us Canadian," said Minister Moore. "By supporting initiatives like Forces AVENIR, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our communities and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"Our Government is pleased to fund Forces AVENIR, which offers young people the opportunity to explore their potential and get involved in their communities while acquiring new skills and experiences that will help them with their long-term success in the labour market and in life," said Minister Blaney. "Through this experience, young Canadians will learn the importance of being active and engaged citizens who contribute to our country and its future."

"Our mission is to recognize, honour, and promote the commitment of young people in projects that enrich knowledge, arouse the desire for success and for surpassing oneself, and encourage the development of community thinking," said François Grégoire, President-Director General of Forces AVENIR. "Participation in the Forces AVENIR program helps young people become conscious, active, and responsible citizens who contribute to the strength of our communities, and we are happy to be able to count on the collaboration of the Government of Canada in order to fulfill our mandate."

Canadian Heritage is investing over $80 million each year in youth programming to allow more than 100,000 young people across Canada to learn about and experience their country.

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $516,500 over two years to Forces AVENIR through the Youth Take Charge program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides opportunities for young Canadians to become involved in a range of activities designed to strengthen their attachment to Canada through active engagement in their communities.

For further information:

(media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)