For immediate release: 01 August 2006

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT INVESTING IN RURAL YOUTH
Support For 4-H Contributes To Future Prosperity

CORBYVILLE - The Ontario government is continuing to help young people gain new learning experiences in a supportive, community-focused environment, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"We recognize the importance of investing in our future, which is our children. Our partnership with 4-H continues to give our youth the skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities that will contribute to Ontario's future prosperity and success, especially in rural communities," Dombrowsky said.

This year's grant is the second installment of a three-year, $2.1-million commitment to 4-H. Under the agreement, the ministry provides $700,000 each year to enable 4-H Ontario to deliver hands-on projects ranging from drama to energy conservation, and career planning to livestock management to thousands of 10- to 21-year-olds across the province.

"The long-term support of the Ontario government assists in the delivery of quality, innovative and sustainable leadership and life skills programs to 4-H members and volunteers," said Lyndon Stewart, executive director of 4-H Ontario. "It's a strategic investment in the development of community social capital that benefits citizens and the communities in which they live."

The 4-H program continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of today's youth and volunteers by developing programs that reflect the demographic mix of farm and non-farm citizens within Ontario's rural communities.

The McGuinty government is on the side of rural families. Other initiatives in support of rural families include:

• Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools with $230 million for school repairs, library books and transition programs
  
• Assisting approximately 4,000 rural youth find meaningful summer employment close to home.

"For almost a century, 4-H has been giving young people in this province a chance to gain new skills and learn the values of teamwork and leadership," said Dombrowsky, who recalled the personal rewards she has gained from her own 4-H experience growing up in the town of Tweed, Ontario.

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198