250 More Years of Democracy, a Contest For Young Canadians
A national contest encouraging young Canadians to grab their cellphones and video cameras and share their vision of the next 250 years of democracy in Canada is open until Sept. 5.
Local contests are also being held in conjunction with concerts in Quebec City, Montreal and Halifax, co-sponsored by Democracy 250 and Apathy is Boring.
Democracy 250 and Apathy is Boring, a national non-partisan organization that aims to use art and technology to engage youth to take part in the democratic process, are teaming to bring the message of the importance of voting to young audiences throughout the country with concerts and contests.
A grand-prize winner from the four contests will receive a trip for two to Halifax to attend and showcase their video during a youth dialogue hosted by Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on Sept. 20.
The winner will also receive backstage passes to the Halifax Rockin in the Free World concert on Saturday, Sept. 27. The full-day, free concert, will feature Democracy 250 Youth Ambassadors Jordan Croucher, Dwight d'Eon and Stephanie Hardy and other local and national artists.
The Governor General is supporting the D250 and Apathy is Boring initiatives with plans to host a national youth dialogue in Halifax and through a video blog about the World Youth Congress, where she encourages youth to make their mark. The video blog is available at www.citizenvoices.gg.ca .
"Even today I see, wherever I go, young people pushing the envelope. I think that it is so important to encourage youth and to highlight the innovative solutions youth are bringing to address the challenges of the day," said the Governor General in her video blog.
"And so, we celebrate this year, the 250th anniversary of parliamentary democracy in Canada. I salute your efforts. I encourage youth to continue inspiring us to action. And I reaffirm my commitment to help make sure young people's voices are heard."
Contest details are available at www.apathyisboring.com .