NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, July 27 /CNW/ - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is pleased to welcome young people from each province and territory to a
democratic renewal summit, July 28-30, in Niagara-On-The-Lake.
The Youth Forum, part of the Council of the Federation 2004 Summer Meeting, will develop ideas for advancing the interest of young people in Canadian federalism and public affairs.
"I want to see young people more involved in voting, public service and public life," McGuinty explained. "As host of this year's meeting, and incoming Chair of Premiers, I look forward to hearing from Youth Forum
delegates about steps governments and the Council can take to help young people become more active in their democracy."
Delegates aged 19-22 were selected through an essay-writing contest. A total of 26 delegates were chosen, two from each of Canada's 13 provinces and
territories.
"Our government has committed to ensuring that more people, particularly young people, vote during elections, become more involved in their communities, and participate in the political process," said McGuinty. "I am pleased to support the Council of the Federation 2004 Summer Youth Forum as a way of helping us meet these important goals."
The three-day Council of the Federation meeting will bring together 13 premiers from Canada's provinces and territories to address key issues such as health-care reform and sustainability.

COUNCIL OF THE FEDERATION (COF) YOUTH FORUM

The COF will host a Youth Forum in conjunction with the 2004 COF summer meeting July 28-30 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Two delegates, ages 19-22, from each province and territory have been chosen by way of a nation-wide essay contest.
The Youth Forum is aimed at encouraging greater youth involvement and participation in public affairs. The Youth Forum program was developed in consultation with all provinces/territories.

YOUTH FORUM PROGRAM

The Youth Forum will examine the subject of Canadian federalism and youth engagement in public affairs. The program includes both learning and workshop sessions, with speakers representing a mix of practitioners and public figures from across Canada.
Youth Forum delegates will participate in a Workshop session to develop options for a longer-term COF Youth Initiative. Delegates will also have an opportunity to meet with Premiers to share ideas about engaging youth in
Canadian federalism and public affairs.
A number of public figures, including British Columbia MLA Patty Sahota, former Quebec Premier Daniel Johnson, and former Ontario Premier Bob Rae will
speak during a session entitled "Engaging Youth in Public Affairs."
John Milloy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, will host the Youth Forum on behalf of Ontario. Mr. Milloy will provide opening and closing remarks and chair the "Engaging Youth" session as well as the delegates' session with Premiers.

YOUTH FORUM DELEGATES

Participants were selected on the basis of their essay response to the following question: "Increasing youth participation in the many aspects of Canadian democracy is an ongoing challenge. What do you think governments and the Council of the Federation could do to capture your interest and involvement in Canadian federalism and public affairs (such as recognition of
the diversity within the federation, public service, public policy or voting)?"
The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) conducted the essay contest on behalf of most jurisdictions. Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
and Nunavut selected their own candidates through a similar essay contest.

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