FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA – The federal government must focus on the unique needs and rights of young Canadians and create a national Commissioner for Children and Young Persons, affirmed Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra and Liberal Critic for Small Business.
“Young Canadians are concerned about the key issues that affect their futures, such as the environment and a persistent lack of employment opportunities. Jobs for students and recent graduates have not recovered since the 2008 global recession, and the youth unemployment rate is still double the national average. Young Canadians need a voice in Ottawa to ensure that they have a say in federal government priorities,” said Murray.
A national Commissioner for Children and Young Persons would also serve as a much-needed liaison across federal and provincial jurisdictions. Provincial advocates have long called for greater coordination to support and protect children in areas that fall outside of provincial authority.
To hear from the youth in Vancouver, MP Murray recently hosted “Forging our own Opportunities: An Evening on Youth Entrepreneurship,” with young prospective entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing youth across Canada. Guests Kim Bowie and Brad Westerop talked about their successful clothing line, “Thuggies” (www.thuggies.ca), which was featured on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and rap educator Baba Brinkman talked about how he turned his passion for rapping into a livelihood. Brinkman illustrated his message by performing exerpts from his rap album outlining key principles for successful entrepreneurship.
“Our Canadian economy needs young entrepreneurs to succeed, noted Murray. “This Conservative government is too focussed on the interests of large corporations, and must do more to support young entrepreneurs and small business.”
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For more information contact:
Jeff Guignard
Office of Joyce Murray
613-992-2430
