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2009 Archive
2008 Archive
Here are the award winners and some of their winning entries:
Find out more about the award winners. Check out the poster.
October 14, 200 New quiz – Test your MQ – Music Quotient – with this quiz that will challenge your…err…ears!
September 22, 2008 – New quiz– Can you ace your job interview?
July 24, 2008 – New quiz – Warm-ups for the Olympics
June 9, 2008 – Ask the expert
May 12, 2008 – Summer jobs in Hamilton May 2, 2008 – Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
April 9, 2008 – Job interview tips April 1 , 2008 – Summer jobs in Toronto for 850 youth from high needs neighbourhoods. One hundred of these exciting opportunities will be with the Toronto Police Service.
February 22, 2008 -- New online quiz-- Are you a tech addict or enemy? January 24, 2008 -- Find out how you can spend the summer working with the Toronto Police. January 23, 2008 -- Two young people from Nishnawbe Aski Nation in northern Ontario are being honoured for their entrepreneurial spirit. January 18, 2008 -- New online quiz -- Are you a social animal?
2007 Archive November 13, 2007 -- New online quiz -- Do you know these famous Canucks?
September 6, 2007 -- In Ottawa, 165 youth completed summer job placements September 4, 2007 -- In Windsor, 194 youth gained skills and work experience through Summer Jobs for Youth August 30, 2007 -- In Hamilton, 198 youth completed summer job placements August 30, 2007 -- Ten Windsor youth gained work experience and skills through Youth in Policing August 28, 2007 -- London youth gained work experience and skills through Youth in Policing and Summer Jobs for Youth. August 23, 2007 -- In east Toronto, 527 youth completed summer job placements August 23, 2007 -- One hundred and seventeen youth in Toronto and Durham Region gained valuable skills and work experience with Youth in Policing August 16, 2007 -- In west Toronto, 373 youth completed summer job placements August 13, 2007 -- Summer Jobs for Youth Program a success July 19, 2007 -- More summer jobs for youth in Ottawa July 6, 2007 - More summer job opportunities for youth in London July 3, 2007 - Toronto Police and province team up to help youth succeed June 28, 2007 - More summer job opportunities for youth in Toronto June 28, 2007 - More summer job opportunities for youth in Hamilton April 11, 2007 - Statement to the Legislature by Minister Chambers - Youth Opportunities Strategy Expansion February 19, 2007 - Youth Opportunities Strategy Expands to Five More Cities Across Ontario January 16, 2007 - The Ontario government is giving youth who left high school without a diploma a chance at success by expanding the OPS Learn and Work Pilot Program.
What you had to say about: Summer Jobs for Youth Program in 2006 Youth
in Policing Initiative in 2006
August 25, 2006 - Summer Jobs For Youth Program A Success
July 10, 2006 - McGuinty Government Helping Youth Gain Valuable Job Skills
July 4, 2006 - Toronto Police And Province Team Up To Help Youth Succeed February 14, 2006 - McGuinty Government Providing More Opportunities For Youth |
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Young people had the chance to speak out and share their views with decision makers at the 2006 Children and Youth Summit, organized by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Nearly 400 youth and adults working with youth from across Ontario spent the day with some of Canada's most high-profile people. Special guests included our Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean; Justin Trudeau; rapper/actor Wes 'Maestro' Williams; and the Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers. Speakers shared personal stories and words of wisdom as they discussed challenges and opportunities facing youth and families. The main message was that youth today are not the leaders of the future, but the leaders of TODAY!! Read on to hear about ... the moment Justin Trudeau became his own 'Mr. Trudeau'; the challenge our Governor General gave youth; the Body Break duo's fitness tips; and thoughts from Minister Chambers. |
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Q: Why have you chosen to speak to youth across the country? A: "I consider myself very lucky. By random chance, I was born at 24 Sussex Drive, which still amazes me. I was lucky to travel, to meet people and to be exposed to a range of opportunities, and that's why I wanted to become a teacher - to give back. I think that with great privilege comes great responsibility." Q: What's the meaning of life? A: "The meaning of life is to leave the world a slightly better place because you were here." Q: What is the greatest challenge facing youth today? A: "I think the greatest challenge facing youth today is finding your own relevance. It's about finding your own voice and your own relevance." Q: What challenges are you faced with? A: "The expectations, good or bad, that are put on me. I spent a lot of time trying to be the person that others wanted me to be and it was a difficult process to find myself. I went down the law school path and realized that wasn't what I wanted, then I became a teacher." "A very pivotal moment for me was when my dad came out to visit me at a school I was teaching at in Vancouver. I was walking down the hall with my dad when I heard a little voice saying 'Mr. Trudeau.' I turned around assuming it was a student who was going to ask my dad for an autograph, and instead the little girl said to me 'Mr. Trudeau, I will be late for French class because I am doing extra band practice.' At that moment I became Mr. Trudeau." Q: What is the biggest challenge for young people and adults to work together? A: "There needs to be more interaction between the generations. Young people have a sense of possibilities and hope that nobody should have to grow out of and it's important for adults to be around that." Q: What is the impact of media on today's youth? A: "It's easy to blame news media, violent video games and models in magazines, but that's a misunderstanding of media. Media is a business. It's up to people to realize that some things are good for you, and some aren't." Q: Is it too late to fix our world? A: "I don't believe it is. I'm an optimist. The challenge is we tend not to change things until a crisis is upon us. We are a society that is all about immediacy, not long-term. We want our pizza in 30 minutes. Little changes are easier now than if we wait 10 years." |
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Wes "Maestro" Williams, rapper and star of television's Metropia and Instant Star entertained the crowd with his retro rap hits including Let your Backbone Slide. The two-time Juno award winner had this advice for youth: "In life you will meet adversaries and face obstacles that you'll have to overcome. Overcoming them is what will propel you to the next level. My advice is to believe in yourself and stick to your vision." See more of the Maestro, visit: http://www.maestrofreshwes.com
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Last fall when Michaëlle Jean was sworn in as Canada's
27th Governor General she promised that youth would be one
of her top priorities and at the youth summit, she proved it
in spades! In addition to unveiling a new website, http://www.citizenvoices.gg.ca, the Governor General hosted a youth-only Town Hall session to discuss the most important issues facing young people today including education, employment, healthy living and the media. For over an hour, Her Excellency listened to the opinions and suggestions of nearly 200 youth on how to reach and help their generation. "I was struck by your honesty, candour and creativity and the remarkable and sincere dialogue that we had today. You have exceeded my expectations and you have demonstrated that you can all make a difference," said the Governor General. Before the Town Hall came to a close, the Governor General challenged youth to think about how they could make a difference and what they would do next. How will you meet this challenge? If you have ideas, or you're already making a difference - tell us about it! Email us now. |
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Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod Video Clip Fitness stars Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod, hosts of Body Break, brought the room to their feet with a fun two-minute work-out including virtual skiing and tobogganing! Hal Johnson talked about how anything is possible. "When I was growing up, I didn't think that black people actually played golf because I never saw a black player on TV. Just look at Tiger Woods today. Part of what we do on our show is seek out people of different races and nationalities because when people see themselves on television, it helps inspire them to chose a healthy lifestyle," said Johnson. Johnson and McLeod also shared their tips for a healthy lifestyle: • Watch portion sizes For more tips, check out http://www.bodybreak.com |
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At last year's Children and Youth Summit, Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers heard a strong message from youth: Let us help you find ways to help us. It's a message she took seriously and at this year's summit youth participants had an equal voice with adults for the first time. "Young people are telling us that they can help us to help them overcome the significant challenges they face in trying to achieve success and we are listening," said Minister Chambers. "Our children and youth need and deserve our support." The summit brought together community partners, service providers and youth from across the province to discuss challenges and opportunities in an effort to support high quality services for children and youth so they can develop to their full potential. This website, youthconnect.ca, is another way the ministry is helping young people connect and giving them a forum for discussion. Tell us what you're doing to help youth in your community, email us today! |
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   "I was very impressed that the Governor General took the time to speak with us today. It was truly an honour. This was my first time at this type of event. I wanted my opinion heard today and I feel that it was." - Jeremy, 16 "The youth summit was very enlightening. I especially liked Justin Trudeau's speech. He was so passionate and it felt like he cared - it was like he was speaking from the heart. I've always been interested in getting involved and after this experience I know I really want to help." - Versailles, 14 "I had never seen the Governor General face-to-face and it was an amazing experience to let her know some of the issues that youth are facing." - Munib, 18 "This summer I participated in the summer policing program through the Youth Opportunities Summer Jobs Program and I learned a ton about how the police system works. Through opportunities and programs like this, the government's really helping youth like me." - Alex, 17
Young people from underserved communities in Toronto spent the 2006 summer working at interesting and rewarding jobs as part of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services' Summer Jobs for Youth Program. More than 800 youth worked at 230 employers doing jobs such as assistant webmaster, research assistant, tutor, daycare assistant, nursing home aide and mechanic assistant. Here are some comments from young people who participated in the program, part of the Ontario government's Youth Opportunities Strategy: "Week two and already I love my placement here at Rosalie Hall. It makes me happy to know each day I get to work with children and have the chance to make them smile." - Shauntelle "This was an incredible day! I had the chance to meet youth co-ordinators, police officers and most importantly I saw and met Keith Forde, the first black Deputy Chief in the history of the Toronto Police Service." - Agassi "My supervisor says that it's a good thing that I started work when I did. She is very busy. It's a good feeling when someone tells you that you're wanted or needed." - Cynthia "Today was probably the best day of my life! I was given the opportunity to do two interviews! It was my first time on television and I was very excited. I thought I would've stuttered and been a nervous wreck but it turned out great! My whole family was so proud of me." - Michelle
One hundred youth from underserved communities in Toronto spent the 2006 summer working with the Toronto Police Service, getting real-life work experience and developing new skills. Five youth worked with the Durham Regional Police Service in a similar program. As part of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services' Youth in Policing Initiative, participants worked in various departments including information technology, forensic identification, community events, traffic safety and the marine unit. Here are some comments from young people who participated in the program, part of the Ontario government's Youth Opportunities Strategy: "Over the summer, I have learned many valuable skills that will benefit me in the future academically as well as in the growth of my character." - Imran "I worked with a police officer who gives talks to people who live in the area of 32 Division, such as children, youth, women and seniors. He would give me his notes and my task was to help write his lecture." - Nicole "Today, the officers from Crime Prevention, volunteers, me and the other Youth in Policing students from 41 Division worked at the annual 'Cops and Kids Picnic' at Thompson Park. It was an exciting day for the children arriving from daycares and shelters. I was very satisfied to see the smiling faces of the children. They were overcome with joy and that made me feel good. It was an experience I'll never forget." - Bethel "I worked with a mechanic by the name of Jeff and I also worked with Dave. It was a great experience for me to get to learn about cars a little bit more. Thanks to Dave, I now know how to change tires and do other things." - Gord "I am more interested in becoming a police officer now that I know more. I wish that every youth could spend some time at a police division so that they have more appreciation for police officers and what they do." - Amy |
Our names: Gillian Carmichael and Alana MacLeod, 18-year-olds, from Brockville
PRIVACY | IMPORTANT NOTICES
Copyright information:© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2007
Last Modified: November 23, 2009