OTTAWA – 4-H Canada, which has operated youth leadership programs in Canada for more than 100 years, wrapped up its 2019 citizenship congress on May 5.
The program has been running since 1972 with the goal of educating delegates on Canada’s history and parliamentary system, and fostering skills related to civic engagement, governance, parliamentary procedure, citizenship and politics.
This year’s theme was “The Power of a Vote: Value of Civic Engagement.”
The Citizenship Congress took place at the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre.
Delegates aged 16 to 21 participated in various workshops and a final debate in the senate chamber.
This helped them develop skills and experience in critical thinking, persuasion and public speaking.
Rob Black, independent senator for Ontario and former Wellington County councillor, joined the delegates at times over the course of their week in Ottawa and helped facilitate their debate on Saturday.
“4-H has been such an important part of my life and I partially credit it in getting me where I am today,” said Black, who was appointed to the Senate last year. He been involved in 4-H programs for most of his life.
“I am glad to see so many bright young people interested in engaging with and learning about Canada’s democratic process.”
David Hovell, chair of the 4-H Canada board of directors, said, “4-H’s ‘learn to do by doing’ philosophy is what we have witnessed this week – 4-H members engaging, learning and developing a deeper understanding of the privilege it is to be Canadian.”
