March 21, 2003

The third annual Circus and Magic Partnership (CAMP) northern tour for children and youth will receive a total of $30,000 in support from the Manitoba government, Tim Sale, minister responsible for the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet, and Oscar Lathlin, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs, announced today.

Healthy Child Manitoba will provide $15,000 in funding and Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs will also contribute $15,000 to the project being put on by the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival in Leaf Rapids from March 24 through March 28. Youth from Leaf Rapids, Lynn Lake, Granville Lake, South Indian Lake and Gillam will participate in the project.

"The CAMP northern tour offers youth in northern communities opportunities to enhance their team and leadership skills through arts and education," said Sale. "By promoting positive activities, we enable youth to build emotional resilience through skill development and positive reinforcement."

Community members, teachers, recreation consultants and youth from the Burntwood Region will be able to take in performances by professional artists and youth participants and then will be trained in the use of circus and magic materials such as stilts, unicycles, juggling equipment, magic supplies and tight wire rigs. These items remain with the local school for further training in the community.

"Research makes clear that positive opportunities contribute to healthy and happy communities," said Lathlin. "This program not only gives youth from remote communities access to the same, positive opportunities as urban youth, but also reflects the commitment of Healthy Child Manitoba to community development through training and skill enhancement."

The program focuses on developing skills and self-confidence in a fun and interesting way for youth who may be vulnerable to negative influences such as dropping out of school and alcohol or drug use.

"There are no geographical boundaries to define at-risk youth," said Neal Rempel, executive producer of the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival. "We feel strongly that children and youth in isolated communities will benefit from important opportunities such as this--to have access to the same world-class arts and recreation services as urban kids."

In addition, Healthy Child Manitoba provides $80,000 annually to the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival to deliver its CAMP program in Winnipeg.

Since April 2000, the Manitoba government has increased investments in early childhood development programs and services by over $40 million. Of this amount, the Government of Canada transferred $11.1 million in 2001-02 to the Manitoba government and will contribute $14.8 million in 2002-03. This funding contributes to Manitoba’s support for children and families.

Healthy Child Manitoba brings a community development approach to the well-being of children, families and communities. This cross-departmental effort is led by the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet, chaired by Sale and including the ministers of Aboriginal and northern affairs; culture, heritage and tourism; education and youth; family services and housing; health; justice; and the status of women.

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