The Order of Canada and Experiences Canada Come Together to Celebrate our Country's 150th Anniversary

OTTAWA, March 23, 2017 /CNW/ - The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is pleased to announce that the Order of Canada is partnering with Experiences Canada to present Canada 150&Me—a national youth competition that will give 150 selected students the chance to spend a week in one of four major Canadian cities and to participate in community activities and regional youth forums to celebrate our country's 150^th anniversary.

"Our youth deserve to be heard on the issues that are most important to them and to Canada," said His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. "After all, they are the voices of tomorrow and the future of the smart and caring nation we are building. Canada 150&Me offers them a chance to have their say and to engage with Order of Canada members who are keen on sharing their knowledge and passion."

As keynote speakers and mentors, Order of Canada members such as Lloyd Axworthy,
Gregory Charles, Daniel Germain, Ratna Omidvar, Chantal Petitclerc and David Suzuki will share their experiences and ideas with forum participants, and help shape a national conversation around the question: "What is Canada's greatest opportunity or challenge facing your generation?"

About Canada 150&Me
One of Canada 150's Signature Initiatives, Canada 150&Me is designed to put young Canadians between the ages of 14 and 19 at the forefront of our national celebrations. Taking place in April and May 2017, the regional youth forums will be held in four major cities across Canada: Vancouver, Halifax, Montréal and Winnipeg. The national and final forum will be held in Ottawa at the end of June. Thousands of youth from across the country will be engaged in these discussions in person and online. The forums will focus on topics relevant to youth today including the environment, immigration and diversity, Canada in the world, and human rights. For more information, visit www.experiencescanada.ca/150. 

About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of our country's highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order in the last 50 years. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country"). Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.

About the 50^th Anniversary of the Order of Canada
Throughout the year, the Order of Canada's 50^th anniversary will be celebrated through a host of special initiatives and partnerships, such as The Walrus Talks Conversations About Canada: We Desire a Better Country, a national tour running from March 1 to May 31, 2017, as well as the Canada 150&Me youth competition. To join the celebration, visit OC50.gg.ca and use the hashtag #OC50.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Media information about the Order of Canada: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, 613-852-3248 (cell), [e-mail]; Media information about Canada 150&Me: Debra Davis, Experiences Canada, 613-727-3832, ext. 209, [e-mail]