Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Wine and Cheese Fundraiser for the Kateslem After School Program

Coquitlam, British Columbia, January 18, 2008

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Mr. Bloy (British Columbia MLA Harry Bloy),
Mayor Wilson (Mayor of Coquitlam Maxine Wilson),
Members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to be at this fundraising event for such a worthy cause.

The Kateslem program does a wonderful job of helping young people develop the confidence and life skills they need to succeed. The program has helped a number of Coquitlam' s young people learn valuable life lessons and the importance of good citizenship.

The Government of Canada encourages the participation and involvement of Canadians of all ages and all backgrounds in society.

We recognize the vital role that programs like Kateslem play in ensuring that young people have the necessary life-skills and self-confidence necessary to reach their full potential and help build strong communities.

And we have demonstrated our commitment to young people at risk in this province.  Among other things, in 2006– 2007, we provided 25 000 dollars through the Canadian Heritage Multiculturalism Program to the Miscellaneous Production Society.

The funds helped support the Society' s "More than Stock Characters –
Transcending the Stereotype" project, which used food and cooking as a vehicle to
initiate dialogue and community action pertaining to stereotyping and racism among
young people in various Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Our Government commends the outstanding teachers involved in Kateslem on their efforts in working with Coquitlam' s young people.

Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers – and generous sponsors like you – who help make Kateslem a success.