4-H Members Attending National Conference

Thirteen 4-H members from Nova Scotia will discuss some of today's most challenging and relevant issues at a national forum for leadership development.

The annual 4-H Members Conference starts today, Nov. 2, in Toronto, and runs to Sunday, Nov. 6.

"This event, like the whole 4-H program, focuses on developing caring, responsible and confident citizens that make positive differences in their communities," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture. "Our young people will be excellent ambassadors for our province and our 4-H program."

The conference is a five-day program in leadership and agriculture for 4-H members between 16 and 21 years old. Eighty-five members from across Canada, two from the U.S.A. and one from the United Kingdom, will attend. Science and technology is the focus of this year's conference.

Throughout the week, members will discuss global issues, hear lectures from guest speakers and make a group presentation. Discussion will include energy, water, land use, soil loss, air and water quality, climate change, plant and animal production, biodiversity, sustainability and biotechnology.

The conference is sponsored by the Canadian 4-H Council.

The thirteen Nova Scotia members attending are:

• Kristen Battiste, Barrachois, Cape Breton Co.
• Dylan Langille, River John, Pictou Co.
• Lianne Lenihan, New Ross, Lunenburg Co.
• Murray Clements, Blandford, Lunenburg Co.
• Katie Dufresne, Blandford, Lunenburg Co.
• Jelisa Waugh, Lower Truro, Colchester Co.
• Michaela Benvie, Upper Stewiacke, Colchester Co.
• Rebecca Smith, Rodney, Cumberland Co.
• Jessica Gravel, Bridgetown, Annapolis Co.
• Megan O'Singa, Lawrencetown, Annapolis Co.
• Kris Brown, Windsor, Hants Co.
• Briana Fletcher, Falmouth, Hants Co.
• Morgan MacNeil, Hantsport, Hants Co.

During the week, 4-H members will also visit several points of interest in Toronto, including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Rogers Centre, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower and the University of Guelph.