News Release

HRM Conference to Focus on Youth Issues

(Tuesday, October 25/05)-- Representatives from government and a number of not-for-profit organizations will gather in Halifax on Thursday to discuss youth issues.

The need for the dialogue was identified by the community, through HRM Recreation, Tourism and Culture’s Youth Strategy, which included a great deal of participation from local youth. Addition, Halifax Regional Council identified as a priority the need to focus more on youth, and to partner with other concerned stakeholders on youth issues..

HRM is hoping to attract participants to the conference who work with youth from rural, suburban or urban communities.

Goals:
• To work toward creating youth-friendly communities.
• To provide an opportunity to have open discussions on youth.
• To establish a youth service network.

Dialogue Objectives
• Identify four to six areas where youth serving organizations and government departments can commit their time, influence and energy.
• Identify areas of responsibility/jurisdiction of youth services in the public, private and not-for-profits sectors.
• Discuss spring conference/workshop with youth from across the HRM.

When:     Thursday, October 27, 2005

Time:        9 a.m. until 4 p.m. ( The morning session only will be open to the      media)

Where:     Halifax Civic Centre Multi-purpose Room
2901 Windsor Street, Halifax

–30--

John O’Brien
Manager, Corporate Communications
(902) 490-6531

Sharon Martin
Community Developer, HRM
(902) 490-4567