YOUTH ON BOARD FOR ECONOMIC MISSIONS ABROAD

Released on August 3, 2005

Saskatchewan young people embarking on Junior Team Canada (JTC) missions to Brazil and South Korea began hands-on training today with a special send-off at the Legislative Building.

Six Saskatchewan delegates are joining a force of Canadians aged 16 to 25 who are participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Youth Plaza in South Korea or scheduled meetings with government officials and industry leaders in Brazil. Both missions are designed to show Canadian youth first-hand the impact that global trade has on economic development.

"Any occasion that has Saskatchewan youth travelling to other countries promoting cross cultural awareness and exploring international trade issues and opportunities is good for the province and certainly valuable for our young people," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said.

Various private and public sector organizations, including the Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), help sponsor Saskatchewan's JTC members. Successful applicants are required to raise funds through community support and corporate sponsorship. JTC provides matching funds to help defray the cost of the trip.

Global Vision, the Ottawa-based, non-profit organizer of the JTC initiative, has three programs that give young Canadians export experience: Global Leaders Centres for youth to learn more about the global economy from industry leaders within their own province; JTC Economic Missions which involve travelling to foreign markets and Global Youth Ambassador Program, which puts youth to work on a local project that will make a measurable difference to the community.

"As an exporting province we need to encourage the entrepreneurial aspirations of young people who are reaching out for experiences beyond Canada," Cline said. "Saskatchewan is the country's leading exporter and a wide variety of careers can be built here with experience in international trade."

Approximately two-thirds of Saskatchewan's gross domestic product is derived from exports. The export industry provides jobs for approximately 220,000 people in Saskatchewan.

The JTC delegates on the mission to Brazil include: Kayla Carr and Devin Heroux (Saskatoon), Jason Bashinick (Craven) and Luke Jacoby (Regina).

The JTC delegates travelling to South Korea include: Stephanie Yang (Regina) and Colleen Lippman (Moose Jaw).

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691