Province's 4-H Youth Develop Citizenship Skills

Nova Scotia 4-H members will represent the province at national and international conferences later this month.

"The young Nova Scotians participating in these events have proven their leadership abilities through our provincial 4-H program," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture. "These conferences offer them opportunities to further their learning and explore how national and international issues affect them and their communities."

The 37th annual National 4-H Citizenship Seminar in Ottawa takes place March 27 and 28. Delegates will increase their awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, and the structure and functions of the Canadian parliamentary system.

While in Ottawa, the 4-H members will see how youth can influence the political process and learn about Canada's political parties. They will explore government issues and conduct a parliamentary-style debate on immigration.

The Nova Scotia delegation will tour the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Supreme Court of Canada and buildings on Parliament Hill. They will also observe question period and attend the swearing in ceremony for new Canadians.

The 4-H delegates from Nova Scotia are:

• Michael Hyde, Sydney River, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
• Erin Thomson, Bras d'Or, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
• Courtney Fraser, Westville, Pictou Co.
• Gwynn Mason, Bridgewater, Lunenburg Co.
• Nancy Ward, Bridgetown, Annapolis Co.
• Chantel O’Brien, Newport, Hants Co.
• Amanda Morris, Newport, Hants Co.
• Shelby Cole, Middle Musquodoboit, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Caitlyn Congdon, Great Village, Colchester Co.

After the Ottawa conference, Ms. Congdon will join nine other Canadian delegates at the U.S.A. National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, Maryland from March 29 to April 3.

The international conference in Maryland It is a working conference where delegates help develop recommendations for national and community 4-H Youth Development Programs. This event brings together 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and staff from across Canada and the United States.

Delegates will visit Capitol Hill, the Lincoln memorial, war memorials and the Canadian Embassy. They will participate in interactive workshops on science, engineering, technology, healthy living and citizenship.