Young people from throughout British Columbia will have an opportunity again this year to participate in the Democracy in Action conference, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today.

Supported by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and B.C. Rotary Clubs, Democracy in Action will present a two-day conference for approximately 30 young people, aged 16 to 18 years, from Oct. 27-29, 2015, in Victoria.

The conference strives to foster a better understanding about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Democracy in Action also encourages participating young people from all around British Columbia to engage in civic opportunities in their home communities.

Last year, the initial Democracy in Action conference included an opportunity to meet Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon and learn about British Columbia’s electoral process through workshops conducted by Elections BC, government leaders and senior officials.

Individuals interested in participating should contact their local Rotary Club for more information. Contact information for local Rotary Clubs can be found online. 

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ─

“Democracy in Action provides unique learning opportunities for young British Columbians to understand how our democracy works and appreciate why it is so important. The program encourages youth to apply their ideas and energy to civic duties in their home communities. I want to thank B.C. Rotary Clubs for helping to make this program available for our young citizens.”

Linda Reimer, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for Communities ─

“By learning how democracy works, B.C.’s youth can learn how to serve their communities and shape the future through their ideas and values. Democracy needs the perspective and participation of young people to remain strong and vibrant in British Columbia.”

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 580-6453