To the editor:
Canada World Youth (CWY) applauds Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s commitment to open and transparent government, and is pleased to have received and reviewed the government’s ministerial mandate letters.
We are particularly excited to learn of the priorities of this government as they embark upon their four-year mandate. We have seen real change take place in Ottawa.
As CWY president and CEO, I want to salute the focus placed on youth, on their ability to be vital contributors to the realm of international development, and to the recognition placed on the impact Youth Service Programs such as ours have in society.
CWY is also pleased to learn the Prime Minister, under his leadership as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth will be working collaboratively with the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie and the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, to integrate international opportunities into Youth Service Programs.
This news comes as validation in support of our continuing mission to increase the ability of people, and especially youth, to participate actively in the development of just, harmonious, and sustainable societies.
Since its founding in 1971, CWY has offered international volunteer programs to 38,000 youth who wished to become informed and active global citizens.
It is CWY's long-standing philosophy that youth have assets and can be agents of change in their communities and around the world – so we are encouraged to see the Prime Minister's affirmation of the role young people can play in international development.
The CWY is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth aged up to 35 who want to become informed and active global citizens. The CWY offers international transformative learning experiences focused on building knowledge, leadership and skills through participation in sustainable community-driven projects.
The CWY is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable organization, and gratefully acknowledges the financial support of its donors, partner organizations, and the government of Canada.
Rita S. Karakas
CWY president and CEO