May 30, 2002

Nearly 11,000 Manitobans visited the Keystone Centre in Brandon last month to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Rural Forum, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen announced today.

The event has earned a reputation for promoting living, learning and achieving success in Manitoba’s rural and northern communities, and offers youth activities, seminars and workshops, regional exhibits and a food court. The 2002 Rural Forum was held from April 25 to 27.

"Support for this year’s Rural Forum has been overwhelming and Manitobans are to be congratulated for using the event once again to focus on creating opportunities and networking," said Friesen. "In addition to setting a new youth attendance record of 1,121 participants, this year’s forum also attracted 80 people from Nunavut, the largest delegation from the territory to ever attend the forum."

The 2002 theme of Regional Challenges, Co-operative Solutions focused on the unique ways Manitobans have been working together. The event featured a video and more than 30 seminars devoted to skill development and community capacity building.

There was a record youth presence at this year’s forum. Activities included the second annual Youth Town Hall meeting where leaders from 60 high schools were invited to discuss their key issues with provincial cabinet ministers.

Youth also participated in a series of environmental and business games, robotics workshops and competitions, the Snapshots photo contest, and the launch of a new government Web site aimed at young Manitobans.

Teams from high schools in Hamiota, Arborg, Norway House and Gladstone topped the 32 teams competing in Junior Achievement’s annual provincial challenge.

A number of awards were also presented for overall outstanding achievement at this year’s forum. The Interlake Region was honoured for best regional hospitality, the Parkland Region for best regional representation, the Northern Region for best regional innovation, Dauphin Countryfest for best food court booth and Driftwood Carvings of Thompson for best rural innovator.

"On this 10^th anniversary, participants were asked to provide us with their assessment of the forum to help ensure Rural Forum continues to address the needs of rural Manitobans from across the province," said Friesen.

Rural Forum was organized by Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs and partners representing 24 public and private sector organizations and businesses.

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