Exchanges Canada Presentation by François Gagnon, Oct. 27, 2003

Exchanges Canada A program of the Government of Canada; Provides financial assistance to exchange delivery organizations; and Provides expertise and advice on exchange programs. www.exchanges .gc.ca Exchanges Canada is a Government of Canada initiative that provides financial assistance to exchange delivery organizations and expertise and advice on exchange programs to the public and private sectors alike. In 2000-2001, the Government of Canada is supporting some 50,000 exchange opportunities for young Canadians.

Exchanges Canada Objectives Enhance knowledge and understanding of Canada; Connect Canadians to one another; and Develop identity and attachment by developing an appreciation for the diversity and the shared aspects of the Canadian experience.

Reaching Youth Across the Country Two basic approaches 15,000 participants each year Reaches 11 – 18 years old Over 200,000 citizens reached Target groups

Our Results After the exchange: 95% said they had increased their knowledge of Canada. 81% say they were more proud to be Canadian. Many indicate that they…“Have learned more about Canada during their forum than during their five years of high school”. Exchanges Canada programs fall under two streams: Youth Exchanges Canada, which include reciprocal exchanges for youth 11-18 years of age, and Youth Forums Canada, which include forums and innovative projects for youth 15-30 years of age.

Long-term effects Participants… are still in school believe that trust between Canadians make this country a better place to live. identify with Canada as a country believe that “each Canadian has the right to be different”; and believe they “can contribute to the improvement of Canadian Society”. 88% of participants are still in school, compared to 77% of non-participants; 80% of participants believe that trust between Canadians make this country a better place to live. Only 68% of non-participants do so. 89% of participants felt they identify to Canada as a country, compared with 61% of non-participants. 99% of past participants believe that “each Canadian has the right to be different”; and 92% believe they “can contribute to the improvement of the Canadian Society”.

Avenues for the future Use exchanges to: build pride and hope in target communities engage youth in Canadian life Support skills development and address skill shortage Welcome new Canadians And much more!