SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH TO INFLUENCE NATIONAL YOUTH AGENDA

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced an exciting opportunity for Saskatchewan's eager young thinkers. The top two entries from a province-wide essay contest will attend a national Youth Forum being held during the July meeting of the Council of the Federation at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Issues facing Canada's young people will be among the issues that will be addressed at the Council of the Federation's summer meeting. The Youth Forum will enhance premiers' dialogue on this subject.

"There is real value in giving Saskatchewan young people access to decision makers and a unique window into public policy debate," Calvert said. "The Saskatchewan representatives will meet with other enthusiastic peers from across Canada to discuss the interest of youth in public policy, public service, government and public life generally."

The youth program will include special guest speakers as well as social events to enable young people from every province in Canada to interact with each other, premiers and members of provincial delegations.

"This is another great example of youth and government working together in meaningful ways to help develop our leaders of tomorrow," Calvert said. "Everyone wins when we engage youth and develop their capacity as the next generation of Saskatchewan leaders."

Applicants will submit a short essay on how governments and the Council of the Federation can better capture the interest and involvement of youth in Canadian federalism and public affairs. Saskatchewan's contest is being managed by the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy (SIPP). All provinces will be participating in similar initiatives to pick their own youth representatives.

Saskatchewan young people can express their interest by participating in the essay-writing contest and by completing the required entry form. Applicants must be between the ages of 19-22 and must be Canadian citizens or have landed immigrant status. Information, including the entry form, full contest details and criteria, and the essay question is available for download at www.uregina.ca/sipp. Interested youth must submit their essay and the required entry form to the SIPP at sipp@uregina.ca no later than May 15th, 2004 to be considered.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008

Andrea Geisbauer Saskatchewan Institute on Public Policy Regina Phone: (306)585-5863