Youth Given Back Seat,
But Take Centre Stage
By Jason Blackburn, Auburn Air youth journalist
Three student journalists were honoured to take part in last
night's opening ceremonies. They took this unique opportunity to
speak to the delegates and discuss such issues as youth action in
the environment, youth influence on the decisions being made here.
Among other special guests were Prime Minister, Jean
Chrétien and the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable
Shiela Copps. Copps introduced the young Canadians and emphasized
the importance of their role at this congress
According to Bruce Amos, Director, Parks Establishment branch,
Canadain Heritage, "the youth involvement last night gave the
ceremony energy and added a human touch," he continued to say
that, " It reminded everyone that the youth and future generations
are the ones who are going to inherit the earth and it reminded us
that the young people are actively involved and committed.
On the other hand, when the other 18 student journalists arrived
at the event last night their press badges, which were the same as
adult press badges, weren't recognized and they weren't able to
get in until an adult journalist lied, saying, "it's okay, they're
with me." Once admitted, they were told that row "Z" was reserved
for them. One of the student journalists taking part in the actual
ceremony , Denise Campbell found out later what had happened to
her colleagues, she said that, " How the rest of the youth team
was treated at the ceremonies was hypocritical. You can't hail the
importance of our involvement and then push our youth into the
back seat. It makes what the three of us did on stage that much
more vital. The adults needed to see the legitimacy so we can be
treated with respect.