West Meadow School Students Participate in an Exchange Through Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada

May 15, 2007

CLARESHOLM – On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of the Canadian Heritage and Status of Woman, Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament (Macleod), today highlighted that some students from West Meadow School are participating this week in one of the programs offered by the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC). Canada’s New Government supports this organization through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Exchanges Canada program.

On March 22, Minister Oda announced additional support of $600,000 for SEVEC as part of the Exchanges Canada program. This financial support was in addition to the $13.5 million allocated to SEVEC over three years, under an agreement signed in June 2006.

“Participating in exchanges is an excellent way for young people to experience our country’s great diversity,” said Minister Oda. “By ensuring that the Exchanges Canada program continues to serve young Canadians all over the country, Canada’s New Government has given the students of West Meadow School the opportunity to take part in exchanges like this one. Youth exchange programs like SEVEC engage our young Canadians in sharing their ideas, exploring other cultures, and experiencing new traditions.”

“I am delighted that youth in my riding are taking advantage of a program as enriching as SEVEC,” Mr. Menzies stated. “This experience will enable them explore other cultures and traditions while forming bonds of friendship with youth from another province.”

“The overall focus will be on learning to broaden the students’ awareness and appreciation of other cultures and places within Canada,” said group organizer, Myrna Newman in planning the exchange.

Founded in 1981, SEVEC is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to organize, facilitate and promote educational exchanges in Canada. These exchanges aim to promote mutual respect and understanding among the young participants through programs that explore language and culture.

The Exchanges Canada program offers young Canadians the opportunity to discover their country, to meet youth from across Canada, and to experience the diversity of Canada’s communities, languages and cultures. Under this program, the government of Canada funds exchanges between youth from 12 to 17 years of age.

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Information:

Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788

Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101