WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/19/14 -- The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding of $330,000 over three years under the Youth Take Charge program for the Young Citizens project.

The Young Citizens project provides 150 young Canadians aged 10 to 16 with the opportunity to record a journalistic-style video based on a presentation done for the Heritage Fairs program. The videos are then shared online in a national contest in which all Canadians are invited to vote for their favourites.

Quick Facts

--  The Heritage Fairs program is an annual event where students present the
    results of their research on Canadian heroes, legends and key events in
    Canadian history during local fairs. 
--  The votes cast during the national contest help determine a shortlist of
    exceptional projects from across Canada. 
--  From these finalists, a panel of judges will choose winners who will
    visit Ottawa and show their film at the Canada's History Forum, which
    will take place at the Canadian War Museum on Sunday, November 2. 

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support initiatives like Young Citizens that give our youth opportunities to discover Canada's past in engaging ways. As we approach Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017, this is an opportunity for youth to learn about the people, places and events that make us Canadian and to become active citizens who will contribute to the future of our great country."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"It's fantastic to see what students can do when provided with technology and the right support. This program allows students who participate in Heritage Fairs to take their stories from the classroom to Canadians across the country. We're very grateful for the continued support from the Department of Canadian Heritage."

-Joel Ralph, Director of Programs, Canada's History Society

Associated Links

Youth Take Charge

Canada's History

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