Province and Municipal Associations Engaging Youth in Local Government
June 10, 2008
NIAGARA FALLS - Ontario students will be meeting their community leaders and getting lessons in local government this fall.
Local Government Week will take place October 19-25, 2008. The event will bring elementary and secondary school students together to engage with municipal leaders and officials on the workings of municipalities and how local decisions affect their communities.
The students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, such as mock municipal referendums and council meetings.
Local Government Week is a partnership of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The Ontario Teachers Federation has been consulted in developing the program.
QUOTES
“Young people are the future. Local Government Week will foster stronger citizenship among our students by giving them real-life examples of local governments in action,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Jim Watson.
“An event celebrating the role that municipal governments play in helping to define the character, priorities, and amenities of Ontario’s communities is long overdue,” said AMCTO President, Betteane M. Cadman. “AMCTO is pleased to have led the charge, along with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, to develop this important initiative that we hope will foster in children and youth, responsible citizenship and stewardship of their local communities.”
“No government touches people more directly than municipal government – particularly when it comes to young people,” said AMO President Doug Reycraft. “This is a great opportunity to introduce young people to how municipalities work, our responsibilities, and how they can contribute to the future of their communities.”
QUICK FACTS
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Teacher Resource Kits will be available to schools to help plan activities for Local Government Week.
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Participation by municipalities and schools is voluntary.
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Schools and local government partnerships have been successful in countries such as the United States and Australia.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about your local government, its functions and responsibilities.
Read about AMCTO’s Municipal Internship Program under its Youth Outreach Strategy.
ontario.ca/mah-news
Disponible en français
Adam Grachnik
Office of Minister Watson
416-585-6492
Craig Wellington
AMCTO
905-602-4294 ext 24
Brian Lambie
AMO Media Contact
416-729-5425