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Table of Contents

2010 Rural Youth Conference

Executive Summary

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Vision and Opportunities for Rural Prince Edward Island

3.0 Youth and Expert Panels: Fisheries, Agriculture, Tourism, and Small Business

4.0 World Café: Rural Youth Engagement and Communication

5.0 Priorities for Action Activity

6.0 Conclusion

Appendix A

Appendix B

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Executive Summary

The Rural Youth Conference was an initiative of the Rural Action Plan, released by the Province on January 26, 2010. The Rural Action Plan indicated that the conference would consult ruralyouth and have a strong focus on the needs and ideas of youth in rural Prince Edward Island. Theconference was held to create a framework for the development of policies and services that willenhance opportunities for young people in rural Prince Edward Island.

On April 22nd, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development hosted the2010 Rural Youth Conference. The Conference was a one day event held in Emerald at theEmerald Community Center and involved youth representatives from communities across theIsland. The conference aimed to target youth sixteen to twenty nine years of age who live in ruralcommunities across Prince Edward Island as well as youth in the target age group that had ruralinterests. Along with the youth, the Department invited approximately twenty five communityleaders from across the Island to attend the conference, sit in on the sessions, and hear the ideasand needs of the youth in attendance.

The conference opened with remarks from the Hon. Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries,Aquaculture, and Rural Development, and the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health andWellness. The day included a Rural Action Plan presentation, sector panels, activities lookinginto vision and opportunities for rural Prince Edward Island, priorities for action, and youthengagement and communication with government.

Recommendations

Throughout the conference many great ideas and opinions were offered by conferenceparticipants. Below are four recommendations that were consistently proposed during theconference and throughout the conference notes:

Youth Representation in Government: Youth would like the provincial government to supportand build the Island’s youth voice through a youth council or advisory committee. Participantsfelt a committee or council would be an effective avenue to directly communicate with thegovernment and also be included in decisions that will affect them and the province in the future.

Strong Communication Ties with Youth: Youth felt that the provincial government shouldfocus on communication efforts with youth. Youth envision a government website or web pagedirected at youth being a great means to communicate clearly with youth, promote programs andservices, and post any relevant information for youth. The participants also felt that governmentshould continue to consult with youth through events, conferences, and online polls.

Employment Opportunities for Youth: Youth participants felt that the government shouldfocus on employment opportunities for youth across Prince Edward Island. Youth would like theopportunity to stay and work on Prince Edward Island, however, they need full-time andpermanent jobs offered for multiple educational backgrounds along with relevant workexperience after graduating from school.

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Community Involvement for Youth: Participants felt that youth need support from theprovincial government in order to get involved with their communities. An online volunteer jobbank would allow youth to see the volunteer opportunities available to them in and around theircommunities and also be a way to post openings for youth to join community committees andboards.

Conclusion

Rural youth across the Island have stated strong clear measures that need to be taken to ensure aprosperous, vibrant, and healthy rural Prince Edward Island for the future. The 2010 Rural YouthConference enabled youth to voice their opinions, ideas, and needs as well as propose effectivemeans of communication between youth and government.

The conference enabled participants to focus their efforts and answer questions that will betterenable the provincial government to work with and serve the needs of Island youth presently andin the future.

Acknowledgments

A general acknowledgment to the Rural Youth Conference Steering Committee for their timeand commitment in organizing the Rural Youth Conference. The Steering Committee would alsolike to thank the contribution made by the facilitator Gord McNeilly - UFIT - who ensured alively day and maximized engagement of all conference participants. See appendix A formembership.

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1.0 Introduction

The Rural Youth Conference was an initiative of the Rural Action Plan, released by the Provinceon January 26, 2010. The Rural Action Plan indicated that the conference would consult ruralyouth and have a strong focus on the needs and ideas of youth in rural Prince Edward Island. Theconference was held to create a framework for the development of policies and services that willenhance opportunities for young people in rural Prince Edward Island.

On April 22nd, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development hosted the2010 Rural Youth Conference. The Conference was a one day event held in Emerald at theEmerald Community Center and hosted youth representatives from communities across theIsland. The conference aimed to target youth sixteen to twenty nine years of age who live in ruralcommunities across Prince Edward Island as well as youth in the target age group that had ruralinterests. Along with the youth, the Department invited approximately twenty five communityleaders from across the Island to attend the conference, sit in on the sessions, and hear the ideasand needs of the youth in attendance.

In order to ensure that the conference provedviable and relevant to the target age group, theDepartment of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and RuralDevelopment established a conference steeringcommittee that determined the topics andapproaches for the event. This steeringcommittee was youth-based and comprised ofcommittee members representing: FutureFishers, Future Farmers, Young Farmers, 4-H,Allied Youth, University of Prince EdwardIsland, Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, and RDÉEÎle-du-Prince-Édouard. The committee metthrough March and April to plan the conference as well as to invite individuals across the Islandto participate in the Conference.

Prior to the conference, the registration total reached one hundred and nine participants. Thisregistration number was higher than the invitation number set out by the conference steeringcommittee. Registration was from areas all across the Island, and approximately eighty youthregistered to participate. Participants included individuals in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture,tourism, small business, health, community development, innovation, and education. There wasalso student representation from a majority of high schools across the Island as well as studentparticipants from Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island.

The conference opened with remarks from the Hon. Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries,Aquaculture, and Rural Development, and the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health andWellness. The day included a Rural Action Plan presentation, sector panels, activities lookinginto vision and opportunities for rural Prince Edward Island, priorities for action, and youthengagement and communication with government. The conference used participatory methods to

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maximize the experience for all participants. Specifically, the conference, within the context ofrural economic development, engaged youth to:

< Describe their vision for rural Prince Edward Island and the future for youth in ruralPrince Edward Island

< Inform policy makers of the needs and ideas of rural youth in Prince Edward Island< Discuss through panels what sectors represent the greatest opportunities and what are the

barriers to youth participating in those sectors< Examine the roles community leaders, government, and youth should play in engaging

youth< Explore innovative and effective ways of communicating with youth< Identify priorities for action

Desired outcomes for the conference included:

• a deepened knowledge and understanding of the current and emerging needs and ideas ofyouth in rural economic development in Prince Edward Island

• a clear direction for developing a framework and communication practice betweengovernment and youth living in rural Prince Edward Island

• strengthening of relationships between rural youth, rural youth-serving organizations andgovernment

• input into the priorities for the work of the provincial government in relation to youth• giving youth a chance to voice their opinions and feel as though they are being heard and

listened to by government and community leaders

2.0 Vision and Opportunities for Rural Prince Edward Island

The opening session of the conference focused on youth describing their vision for rural PrinceEdward Island and the future for youth in rural Prince Edward Island. The objective was toenvision rural Prince Edward Island in the future and describe what opportunities and sectorswere apparent and what made rural Prince Edward Island a vibrant, prosperous place to live andwork.

The conference participants were divided into small working groups. Each group was given alarge detailed map of Prince Edward Island to help with envisioning communities across theIsland. Each participant focused on the conference objective by answering the question: Whatare the essential parts to a prosperous, vibrant, and healthy rural Prince Edward Island?

Through individual thought, small group conversations, and collaborations, many ideas weredeveloped and the question was answered from a youth perspective.

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The below listed categories were mainly discussed by participants as the ingredients to aprosperous, vibrant, and healthy rural Prince Edward Island:

< Agriculture and Fisheries< Communication< Education< Support< Small Business< Transportation< Decentralization of Government< Community Services< Infrastructure< Tourism< Recreation & Entertainment< Technology< Culture & Heritage< Social< Environment< Employment< Youth Retention & Involvement< Amalgamation of Regional Governments

Categories Participant Comments

Agriculture &Fisheries

• strong support for farm development• promotion of agriculture and fisheries• marketing strategies for primary sectors• educational activities to encourage youth to get involved

with primary sectors• improved quality of agriculture education• focus on buying local• lucrative summer employment options in fishing and

farming• stabilizing and strengthening primary sectors• buying direct from farmers and fisherman• local farm markets; owned and operated by community

members • branding of Island food• extensive work in product development

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Categories Participant Comments

Education • post-secondary education expansion• distance education subsidies for residents of Prince Edward

Island• more formal and informal education opportunities• more educational opportunities located in rural communities• more industry education in public schools• accessible educational opportunities to all individuals across

the Island• more high-tech educational opportunities• grants for masters and doctorate programs for residents of

Prince Edward Island• entrepreneurial development in schools• incorporating a serious focus of agricultural and fisheries

studies into schools

Support • ongoing government support to rural Prince Edward Island• economic development support to rural Prince Edward

Island• consistent funding for non-government organizations and

not-for-profit organizations• long term investments in innovation and product

development• private sector funding for wages and expansions• government presence in rural communities• proper investments in rural communities• making rural communities viable with their own assets• support of local businesses and events• encouragement for Islanders to voice their ideas, opinions,

and concerns, ie more events like the Rural YouthConference

Small Business • wage support • risk support• support and assistance with growth• encouragement and support of small rural businesses• youth small business support, education, and assistance• promotion and assistance of the small business industry,

providing communities with local buying options

Transportation • public transit• transportation from rural areas to urban centers

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Categories Participant Comments

Community Services • volunteer incentives• community service bursary for university and college

students• volunteer opportunity listings (Volunteer Job Bank)• enhancement of volunteer services• promotion of community involvement and volunteering;

leading to strong community inclusion and a stronger senseof community

Infrastructure • basic infrastructure in rural communities• services, businesses, stores, and government in rural

communities• centrally located infrastructures to accommodate community

and social events• social, wellness, and recreational facilities• safe and maintained parks and playgrounds• new usage for buildings such as old schools, office space,

etc.

Tourism • a focus on growth in tourism• culinary tourism• adventure based tourism• consistent investments in festivals and events in rural

communities• developing and enhancing rural community attractions

Recreation &Entertainment

• community involvement for all ages• activities for young families to entice them to rural

communities• local entertainment options• activities for all ages• social facilities for local groups• rural sports and recreation• recreational facilities• affordable recreational activities• centers for activities and groups instead of commuting to

urban centers

Technology • quality high speed internet• infrastructure for telecommunications• consistent internet and cell service

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Categories Participant Comments

Social • good sense of community• pride and belonging• focus on people• equal opportunities• diversity• community initiative• strong community leaders• flexibility• access to health services• youth sitting on municipal councils and community boards• co-operation between leaders: municipal, provincial, and

federal• community spirit• equal services as urban centers• quality of life and well being• consultations with rural communities prior to implementing

new ideas, strategies, or plans

Environment • preserving natural landmarks• sustaining the environment• organizations coming together to clean up Island

communities• investments in green energy• implementation of the nitrate report so all Islanders have

access to clean water

Employment • a variety of employment opportunities• government jobs• competitive wages• legitimate work experience for recent grads• lucrative employment opportunities in all sectors and

industries

Youth Retention &Involvement

• incentives for youth to remain on Prince Edward Island • activities for youth to be involved in rural communities• greater representation for youth• a youth voice• a youth committee or secretariat• stronger communication with youth on a regular basis

Amalgamation ofRegional Government

• formation of regional government (too many municipalities)• implementation of the Land and Local Governance

Thompson Report

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Categories Participant Comments

Communication • strong communication between rural communities andgovernment

• strong communication between communities• working together to build strong, sustainable communities

Decentralization ofGovernment

• more government jobs, agencies, or departments movedaway from urban centers and based in rural communities

Culture & Heritage • preserving Island and community heritage• preserving culture

Youth feel the aforementioned main topics describe the components of a prosperous, vibrant, andhealthy rural Prince Edward Island. Although, the ideas do not reflect a specific community onPrince Edward Island, they reflect a strong vision for the components that are seen as necessaryfor any strong vibrant community on Prince Edward Island.

Included in this session topic of vision and opportunities, participants were asked to chose anIsland community and contribute ideas that they believe would bring their chosen community tothe economic and social forefront on Prince Edward Island. Conference groups were not requiredto identify their community of choice, however, the ideas that were formulated by conferenceparticipants are broad enough that they would be adaptable and innovative enough for manyrural communities to undertake and implement successfully:

< expand and amalgamate surrounding areas to expand tax base in order to provide moreextensive services and opportunities for rural communities

< create program director positions for different regions of the Island to develop programsfor families, youth, and seniors

< stronger focus on programming than infrastructure< build a “strong successful community” by attaining certain elements: leadership, youth

involvement, economic viability, proper investment in community, amenities, etc< focus on building up community assets< ensure government officials and politicians take the time to consistently go out and spend

time in rural communities talking to community members of all ages and listening totheir ideas, needs, and concerns

< focus on long term planning and build rural communities that are inviting and have lotsto offer individuals and families

< work with government and communities to deliver the message that communitiesmembers need to take ownership for their communities and work with each other andother parties to bring rural communities to their full potential

< keep communities active, through facilities and programs that involve all age groups< ensure that there is stable year-round employment opportunities available< strive for a vibrant private sector full of current and future opportunities< work on community promotion and market the activities and appealing attributes that

rural communities have to offer

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< explore opportunities in agri-tourism and tourism in the fisheries sector< support and encourage local community members to explore the small business sector in

rural communities to add to personal growth and economic growth for the community< ensure there are emergency services available for community members, visiting guests

and tourists< focus on building a strong positive community culture< usage of community centers to promote community activities and community inclusion< ensure communities have access to proper educational facilities< ensure that all housing needs are fulfilled: senior housing, affordable housing, etc.< capitalize on local tourism attractions< allocate funds for sidewalks, parks, playgrounds that make communities esthetically

pleasing and are strong advocates for promoting healthy lifestyles in communities< ensure that youth programs or activities are available to stimulate youth and keep them

connected with their community< venture into the prospect of renewable energy< focus on building up tourism and fostering new innovative ways to drive tourism into

rural communities< ensure easy access to community necessities< develop unique festivals and events that have a rural focus

The morning activities focused onvision and opportunities for ruralPrince Edward Island. Youthparticipants were able to reflect onthe present state of rural communities and come up withconcepts and ideas to improverural communities and ensure thatthey are prosperous, vibrant,healthy places to live and prosperin the future.

3.0 Youth and Expert Panels: Fisheries, Agriculture, Tourism, and SmallBusiness

The afternoon portion of the conference began with a youth panel. There was a youthrepresentative from fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and small business. Each panelist had theopportunity to introduce themselves and briefly describe their industry and background. Theirintroductions were followed by questions from the conference facilitator in an interview format.Panel participants were asked the following questions in hopes to get them to elaborate on theirexperiences in their chosen sectors and to give conference participants a clearer understandingand perspective into these sectors on Prince Edward Island:

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Why did you choose this career? What are some of the difficulties working in rural Prince Edward Island?What are some of the challenges associated with your industry?What are the downfalls you experienced building your career?What are some lessons that you learned?Where are you most hopeful for opportunities within this industry?What kind of money did you need to start this career? How did you obtain it?Explain some of the culture surrounding your career?What is some misinformation that you would like to dispel?What best advice would you give a young person considering this line of work?

Following the youth panel, an expert panel was introduced. Panel members covered fisheries,aquaculture, agriculture, tourism, small business, and community development. Each participanttable was allocated fifteen minutes to come up with group questions to ask the expert panel. Thequestions formulated and asked to the expert panel by the youth participants are as follows:

1. How realistic is it for someone to get into the fishing industry immediately aftergraduating high school?

2. What are your departments doing to keep youth interested in your sectors (Fisheries andAgriculture)?

3. For fisheries, what are the incentives for youth wanting to get into the industry with allthe cuts to catch limits and prices?

4. What is the Island’s plan for the fishing industry for the next ten to fifteen years withlobster and snow crab both stock and economically?

5. How do you feel yoursectors improve thequality of life andeconomy for ruralIslanders?

6. What is one concreteaction or opportunity youcan offer young people tobuild your sector?

7. Without having grown upin the encompassingculture that is the fishingand farming industries, how would a person begin to learn about what the industriesentail? Actually attempt to enter one of the industries?

8. How does tourism deal with being a one season sector? What efforts are in place toextend the season? What would you suggest for the industry that may not being currentlyhappening?

9. How does the opening at the Minigoo lobster processing plant affect the lobster fishery?10. What kind of opportunities does bio-science represent for those in agriculture?11. What is the government doing program wise to encourage and educate about the

possibilities of farming crops other than Prince Edward Island’s staple crops like potatoesand wheat?

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12. What are the long term plans for new markets for Prince Edward Island lobster?13. What kind of impact do you see the failing farming industry having on our tourism

industry?14. What measures (programs/incentives) have your sectors taken to encourage the

participation of youth?15. How do you attract tourism all year around on Prince Edward Island?16. How do you think that youth can be more involved with their communities?17. What are some new jobs or opportunities available in the industries that you represent?18. What programs or aid is available for overcoming barriers for entrepreneurs or other

industry workers?19. What are your visions for healthy rural communities?20. What are the incentives for young people to stay on Prince Edward Island?21. What are the job opportunities with non-traditional jobs within the fisheries and

aquaculture sector?

22. With high electricity rates, tax rates, and other related costs, what can be proposed forfuture leaders to stay on Prince Edward Island to farm?

23. How do we encourage young people to take leadership roles in rural communities?

Overall, the objective for the youth and expert panels was to give participants a betterunderstanding of fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and small business. The activity of formulatingquestions and hearing answers as a group was a way for participants to gain a clearerunderstanding of these sectors, understand barriers to entry, and understand which sectorsoffered the greatest opportunities for youth. The panel discussions also allowed the youth andexperts in specific sectors to clear up any misconceptions about sectors and encourage thoseinterested to look at futures in fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and small business.

4.0 World Café: Rural Youth Engagement and Communication

Following the panel presentations, the conference took the form of a world café. The intent ofthis activity was to focus on rural youth engagement and communication with government. The first question that was asked to participants was: What should government do to createchange on the issues that we have discussed today?

Below the youth participants in small groupswrote out their answers:

Changes Within Government

• give a voice to rural youth via onlinepolls

• take recommendations from the RuralYouth Conference and implement them

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• youth representation ingovernment via a youth advisorycouncil which would meet on aregular basis

• continue to host events like theRural Youth Conference to consultwith youth

• have government officials travel tocommunities regularly to consultwith residents about concerns andideas

• continue to decentralizegovernment departments and agencies

• create change on issues that were discussed at the conference• a voice for youth across Prince Edward Island• a position created for a provincial coordinator who is aware of businesses looking to

locate to Prince Edward Island, therefore, aiding them in the transition and promoting thebusinesses to rural areas across Prince Edward Island

• focus on the retention of youth and building incentives to keep youth on Prince EdwardIsland after graduating

• designate a minister responsible for youth• concentrate on following through: need continuous methods for youth to influence

change on Prince Edward Island• amalgamate municipalities: seventy five are not manageable• have a small advisory panel of youth to meet with officials to implement the conference

initiatives and ideas• new and innovative ways to attract individuals and families to rural Prince Edward Island• education level having an impact on minimum wage

Changes Within Education

• focus on building mentor programs so that youth can learn more about agriculture andfisheries and get practical experience

• bursaries or support for students enrolled in distance online post secondary education butprefer to remain on Prince Edward Island

• have educational opportunities available in rural areas• practical experience opportunities for those interested in agriculture and fisheries• practical experience for health care students in rural hospitals and health care facilities

Changes Within Employment

• a variety of job opportunities with various education and career backgrounds• accessible career counseling • job creation• more job opportunities in rural Prince Edward Island that require post secondary

education

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Changes Within Sectors

• allocate more funding for tourism and small business in rural communities• continue with events that allow cross promotion of primary sectors (culinary tourism)• support for local rural businesses• programs to stimulate small business growth• more events or festivals like Small Halls• focus on changing the negative image of agriculture

Changes Within Communication

• a government website focused on youth• increase youth awareness of job opportunities• better promotion of opportunities for youth• work on communications, next step beyond basic high speed (faster networks)

Changes Within Communities

• promote volunteer opportunities to young people, help them to get involved• extend community bursaries to university and college students• a volunteer job bank online• inclusion of youth in community initiatives• should be more programs or incentives for young people to participate in community

development or on community and municipal councils

Changes Within Transportation

• expand public transit to areas outside urban centers

The final question asked to participants as part of the world café activity was: Whatopportunities do you see for government to communicate better with youth?

Below the youth participants in small groups wrote out their answers:

< more consultations with youth< online polls to consult with youth< social media to connect and communicate with youth< government seems unreachable; change communication mis-perception< more extensive work to let people know what programs are available and better means to

promote government programs and services< separate government website page or site for youth< more advertisements on career opportunities< website for youth jobs< survey youth about issues, needs, and opinions

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< minister responsible for youth< connect with youth through a youth advisory council< take your MLA to school/ question period once a year< use schools as an arm of communication for the government< youth leaders involved with developing communication strategies< more opportunities like this conference to focus on economic development < workshops and programs on job opportunities and career development< advertise and share information better in all sectors< have youth involved with government through events like the youth conference< make the government website easier to navigate and locate information< have government officials come to more youth events to listen to the ideas and needs of

youth< give youth opportunities to vote on issues< youth taking part in pilot projects< public administration credit in high school dealing with leadership, the workings of

government, and how to be involved

5.0 Priorities for Action Activity

The final activity of the conference focused on priorities for action with each youth participanthaving the opportunity to fill out a postcard addressed to the Hon. Neil LeClair, Minister ofFisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development. The objective of the activity was to share withthe Minister what youth considered the most important things the provincial government coulddo for rural Prince Edward Island with youth, economic development, and the future. Theanswers below were taken from postcards submitted by conference participants and are listed ina sequence of importance to the youth participants: Employment Opportunities:

Youth participants want to see theprovincial government focus onemployment opportunities for youthacross Prince Edward Island.Including jobs that require a variety ofeducational backgrounds and jobs thatare full-time and permanent positions.Youth felt it is also important to havemeaningful work experience forindividuals currently enrolled inschool or during summers andmeaningful work experience forrecent graduates with little experiencein their chosen fields. Employment opportunities need to be created all across the Island butespecially in rural communities. If employment opportunities are not found or created manyIslanders will have to leave their communities or province to find meaningful work experience.

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Youth Voice in Government:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government focus on building the Island’s youthvoice and building a youth council or advisory committee. Conference participants felt that itwas important and vital to the future of Prince Edward Island to be included in the decisions thatwill affect them and their province. Youth felt that there should currently be a minister who alsotakes on a youth portfolio besides a form of youth representation in the government. Youthparticipants felt that a youth council, forum, or advisory council would be a meaningful andeffective avenue for youth to directly communicate with the provincial government.

Incentives:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government focus on developing and implementingincentives for young people to remain on Prince Edward Island and in their rural communities.Youth retention in rural communities relies on many variables such as employmentopportunities, community inclusion and involvement, social and recreational events andactivities, and vibrant sectors in order to be healthy, prosperous places to live.

Communication:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government focus on communication efforts withyouth across Prince Edward Island. Youth felt that the government should continue to consultwith youth through conferences, polls, and other events as well as take the time to visit the youthin rural communities and listen to their opinions, ideas, and needs. Youth participants believe agovernment website or page for youth would be an asset. It would be a means to communicategovernment programs and services, keep youth updated with news, and post any relevantinformation that would benefit youth.

Community Involvement:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government aid and support youth to get involvedwith their communities. Youth stressed that they would like to get involved with communityboards and committees. They would also like to get involved with volunteering in theircommunities which would lead to feelings of inclusion and lead to stronger ties with theircommunities. It was suggested that an online volunteer job bank be initiated in order to giveyouth a greater sense of the volunteer opportunities available in their communities. Youth alsobelieve that it would be beneficial to have a volunteer bursary for those volunteering whileattending university or college.

Education:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government focus on quality education all acrossPrince Edward Island. Youth want learning opportunities in sectors and different careers. Youthwould like to see more education opportunities with a focus on agriculture, fisheries and smallbusiness. Youth would also like to see bursaries for distance education, masters programs, anddoctorates.

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Transportation:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government focus on transit for rural areas acrossPrince Edward Island. Youth felt that public transit would be an asset for the eastern and westernends of the Island. Youth also expressed that public transit from rural areas to urban centerswould be beneficial.

Focus on Sectors:

Youth participants want to see the provincial government focus on and strengthen theagriculture, fisheries, small business, and tourism sectors. Youth would like to see financing andsupport for those in the small business sector. Youth would also like to see events and festivalsto strengthen rural tourism and expand the tourism season on Prince Edward Island. Youthwould also like to see a strong focus on agriculture and fisheries in hopes to stimulate youthinterest in these sectors, and work to stabilize and deal with the current issues facing agricultureand fisheries.

6.0 Conclusion

Rural youth across the Island have stated strong clear measures that need to be taken to ensure aprosperous, vibrant, and healthy rural Prince Edward Island for the future. The 2010 Rural YouthConference enabled youth to voice their opinions, ideas, and needs as well as relay effectivemeans of communication between youth and government.

The conference enabled participants to focustheir efforts and answer questions that willbetter enable the provincial government towork with and serve the needs of Island youthpresently and in the future.

The youth participants hope that the ideas anddeliverables that were formulated from thisconference will be used in the near future tomake rural Prince Edward Island a vibrantplace to live and prosper. Participants also hopethat the ideas and desires of youth participatingin the conference will be a focus for the provincial government and be priorities for action. Theyouth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and youth involvement in decisions and planning willonly make Prince Edward Island a stronger and more desirable place to live.

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Appendix A

Rural Youth Conference Steering Committee

Kaley MacDonald- Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Kim Klein- Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Colin Young- Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Robert Maddix- Rural Secretariat

Angie MacDonald- Allied Youth

Jenna Bysterveldt- Allied Youth

Emily Brown- 4-H

Alyssa Mutch- 4-H

Kate Flanagan- Population Secretariat, Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning

Erin Docherty- Population Secretariat, Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning

Jamie Gauthier- Future Fishers Program

Laura Lee Noonan- Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Rayanne Frizzell- Young Farmers

Carla Buchanan- Future Farmers Program

Heidi MacDonald- University of Prince Edward Island

Andrew Ramsay- Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, Department of Health and Wellness

Mathieu Arsenault- RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard

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Appendix B

2010 Rural Youth ConferenceEmerald Community Centre

April 22nd, 2010

AGENDA

9:00 a.m. Registration

9:30 a.m. Conference Opening Remarks

Honourable Neil LeClairMinister of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Honourable Carolyn BertramMinister of Health & Wellness

9:50 a.m. Conference OverviewIcebreaker, Community Standards, & Team Building

10:30 a.m. Rural Action Plan Presentation

10:45 a.m. Vision and Opportunities for Rural Prince Edward Island

12:00 p.m. Lunch

12:45 p.m. Recap of the Morning/Motivational Minute

1:00 p.m. Youth & Expert PanelsFisheries, Agriculture, Tourism, and Small Business

2:35 p.m. Nutrition Break

2:45 p.m. World Café: Rural Youth Engagement and Communication

3:30 p.m. Priorities for Action Activity

4:00 p.m. Wrap-up: Conference Evaluation and Prize Draws

4:30 p.m. BBQ and Performance by Haunted Hearts

6:00 p.m. Conference Closes