Transport Canada seeking young Canadians for World Youth Assembly

Ottawa, Ontario – Transport Canada has announced it is looking for five young Canadians interested in road safety issues to join youth from over 120 countries at the United Nations’ World Youth Assembly for Road Safety. The assembly will be held in Geneva, Switzerland on April 23-24, 2007.

The department is also looking for 45 more young people to participate in the Canadian Road Safety Youth Conference in Montreal, Quebec on June 6-8, 2007.

Applicants must be Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 as of April 1, 2007; have experience in the field of road safety through education, volunteer work, and/or paid employment; possess demonstrated leadership skills; possess strong oral and written communication skills and be able to make effective presentations; and be nominated by a sponsoring agency, which can confirm their skills and experience and cover half the costs of their travel and accommodation. Transport Canada will cover the other half of the costs.

The five applicants selected to attend the World Youth Assembly for Road Safety in Geneva must also have a valid Canadian passport by April 1, 2007 and must commit to participating in the Canadian Road Safety Youth Conference in Montreal. They will be required to assist the organizing committee for the conference, and make presentations based on their experiences in Geneva.

Both of the assemblies are being held in recognition of the first United Nations’ Global Road Safety Week. Worldwide, road traffic injuries are the second leading cause of death for young people aged 5 to 25 years.

Applications must be sent by mail by January 12, 2007. For more information, visit HookedOnRoadSafety.ca, or call 1-800-333-0371.