The Lietenant Governor Wishes You A Happy Canada Day

NEWS RELEASE

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On Canada Day, we celebrate our shared destiny as citizens of this great country. We have much to be grateful for, because every day our lives are enriched by the remarkable diversity of this land and its people.

Despite the advantages we enjoy in our province, our society still faces challenges.

For my part, I continue to focus on supporting organizations that fight racism, and I work to reduce the stigma of mental illness and improve opportunities for disadvantaged Native youth in the north of our province.

I am pleased to report that, thanks to the support of many governmental and non-governmental organizations, this summer I will launch 35 literacy summer camps in 28 First Nations in Ontario's North, to promote reading and mental wellness.

The Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camps
will be administered by Frontier College, Canada's oldest literacy organization.

In September, I will launch my fourth literacy initiative, Club Amick - Young Aboriginal Readers' Program.

Children in remote First Nations communities will receive a new book and activities-oriented newsletter every other month.

The Southern Ontario Library Service and Ontario Library Service - North will lead this program for the next five years.

Poor literacy skills reduce options and opportunities for youth, and addressing their needs is a priority.

These initiatives show how much can be accomplished when people of goodwill work together.

They demonstrate the generosity of spirit that has made Canada such a great country.

As The Queen's representative in Ontario, I wish you a happy Canada Day!

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