Awards recognize young leaders

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Nominations are now open for the Young Leaders in Rural Canada Awards.

This is the fourth year that the Rural Secretariat of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has handed out the hardware to young rural Canadians (18 to 29 years old) who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and contributions to rural, remote and/or northern Canada, at the local, regional and/or national level.

Stephanie Clifford, Communications Advisor with the Rural Secretariat, says it is important to recognize the contributions that young people are making.

“We have incredible youth in our rural regions all across the country. These awards are about recognizing some of the achievements that are taking place,” said Clifford.

Clifford notes there are three categories open.

“The first category is innovation. That’s about trend-setting initiatives … things like green technology and so forth.

“The second category is leadership. We are looking for an achievement that has encompassed the spirit of leadership, something with a concrete outcome: for example, how a young person inspired people to develop and exercise their potential in their own communities.

“The final category is partnership. That’s about building and fostering partnerships in the rural community, whether it’s building a network to the provincial or federal government or other similar ties,” explained Clifford.

A more detailed description of the categories and the eligibility criteria can be found on the AAFC website at www.rural.gc.ca.

The competition has attracted considerable attention in the past. Last year, more than 80 nominations were received from across Canada.

The winners will get to go to Ottawa to receive their special honours, but Clifford says there are a number of other intangible benefits for award recipients.

“Everyone knows that our youth are the future leaders of tomorrow. Recognizing their achievements gives them a sense of self-gratification,” she stated.

“It helps to build their resumes and inspire other youth within the region, and that’s a very important initiative.”

The nomination deadline is April 16.

Eligible nominations will be assessed by a review committee representing the National Rural Youth Network, the Advisory Committee on Rural Issues, a rural/youth organization and the Rural Secretariat.

Nomination forms and more information may be obtained by calling the Rural Secretariat’s toll-free number, 1-888-781-2222, or by visiting www.rural.gc.ca.

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Clifford, Communications Advisor, Rural Secretariat
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: 1-866-406-1100 (toll-free)