DEVOLIN WRAPS UP THIRD ANNUAL CAPITAL EXPERIENCE

October 25, 2006

LINDSAY – Local MP Barry Devolin wrapped up the third annual Capital Experience last night as 15 students who took part in the initiative returned home from the three day learning opportunity.

Two students from each of the riding’s seven secondary schools plus one student from Apsley left for Ottawa last Sunday in an effort to show them more about various careers in public life that could await them following their education.

“I am grateful to have been part of the Capital Experience program, It gave us an opportunity to meet some very influential speakers,” said Ryan Haney from Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute.  “The trip made me aware of jobs that aren’t usually in the public eye but play an important role in our society.”

The third Capital Experience included: a private tour of the House of Commons, being received by the Ambassador of South Korea; a visit to the Canadian headquarters of Amnesty International; a talk with a recruiter with Foreign Affairs Canada; a tour of the CHUM Media Centre; a question and answer session with journalist John Ivison at the National Press Gallery;

A meeting with the government relations firm, Summa Strategies Canada; and a discussion with political organizer Jenni Byrne (a graduate of Fenelon Falls herself).

“I’m very interested in journalism so the tour of the CHUM buildings and speaking with John Ivison from the National Post was the best part of the trip for me,” said Haley Mumby from I.E Weldon Secondary School. “Learning how a news program is put together and all the work that goes into it really piqued my interest. I was also able to speak to reporters in the field to find out how they got to the position they are in now which will help me reach my goals.”

“My goal is to become either an elementary or secondary school teacher but to know that the President of Summa Strategies is a former teacher has made me aware of the many possibilities that are available to me,” said Kaleigh Clark of Brock Township Secondary School.  “I think the agenda over the past three days greatly benefits students with a rare opportunity.”

“A number of service groups and local businesses stepped forward to sponsor a student from their community and without them this trip would not have been possible,” said Devolin.  “I want to thank them for helping me to make these young people more aware of the career options available to them.”

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For more information contact:

Barry Devolin, MP                                                        

(705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881