February 07, 2002

Education, Training and Youth Minister Drew Caldwell has announced that an Aboriginal Youth Conference, organized by students from R.D. Parker Collegiate, will be held in Thompson on Feb. 9.

As part of the conference, a youth town hall meeting will be held that will include discussions with Caldwell, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson and Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin. In addition, up to 100 young Manitobans will participate in round table discussions with the three ministers.

"Our government is deeply committed to youth in Manitoba and we continue to strive to renew their hope in the future of the province," Caldwell said. "My colleagues and I look forward to hearing about the issues that matter most to students from across Northern Manitoba who will be the leaders of tomorrow."

The ministers will spend the afternoon answering questions posed by students and gathering input that will impact future policy and program decisions made by the provincial government.

"In the past, the views of youth--especially northern youth--were often overlooked," said Lathlin. "Our government is committed to listening to all Manitobans and building upon the hopes and aspirations of young people. This conference provides a opportunity to listen to the views of young people as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our province."

Robinson, noted that young people are deeply concerned with issues which concern all Manitobans. "As I travel throughout Northern Manitoba, I am pleased to see young people taking an interest in the issues that are affecting their communities and their province. Issues such as economic development and employment are especially important to Aboriginal young people and, as we saw at the recent Aboriginal Job Fair held in Winnipeg, Aboriginal youth are eager to enter the workforce. We welcome their interest and ideas on how we can increase employment opportunities for youth."

"Your input will help us to improve existing youth programs and create new ones that are directly attuned to your needs," Caldwell said. "This is a great opportunity for us to hear the opinions and concerns of youth first hand, and for students to use their skills to make Manitoba an even greater place to live and work."

Proceedings of the first youth town hall meeting held just over a year ago

are available on the government Web site at: http://www.premierspipeline.gov.mb.ca/

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