News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers are encouraged to vote for their favourite history project in the first Young Citizens program.

Twelve students from this province are in the running. To view their entries, visit the New Brunswick Heritage Fairs 2012 webpage and click on Vote for Me!

"I offer my sincere congratulations to the students recognized for their outstanding heritage fair projects," said Lt-Gov Graydon Nicholas, honorary patron of the heritage fair program in New Brunswick. "I am a big supporter of this effort, and I hope more young people will participate next year in this celebration of our culture."

Young Citizens is an initiative of Canada's National History Society, publishers of Canada's History Magazine, and is partially funded by Heritage Canada. The objective is to link students from across the country in a learning environment.

"Part of what makes New Brunswick so special is its rich heritage," said Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living Minister Trevor Holder. "Heritage fairs provided an innovative opportunity for students to engage in their past, and our government is proud to see this engagement move to the national level. We are committed to preserving our collective history, which will inspire others to solidify their sense of belonging, form links with their communities and demonstrate an appreciation for New Brunswick's history."

During each regional heritage fair in Canada, students were selected to receive the Young Citizens Award and create a three-minute documentary about their project.

More than 170 heritage videos are available to view, share and elect as winners. Voting will close Aug. 7. The resulting tally will see two students per participating province advance to the final round, from which six winners will be selected to join Canada's History in Ottawa for the Governor General History Awards events.

Canada's National History Society is a national charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history. In addition to presenting the Governor General's History Awards and publishing Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, as well as Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, the society produces a number of educational and online programs to encourage discovery, celebration and understanding about the country’s history and culture. More details are at www.canadashistory.ca.