Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 20/98) - The federal government plans to invest $82.5 million in programs for youth offered by the Canadian armed forces.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew, MP for the Western Arctic, announced the government's three-year monetary commitment to Canadian youth at a press conference in Yellowknife, Friday.

"This investment will go a long way towards the training and development of our youth and their understanding of their country and fellow Canadians," said Blondin-Andrew.

Of the $27.5 million in this year's budget, $1.8 million has been allocated to the Junior Canadian Rangers program.

The program targets Canadian youth in remote or isolated areas. Instruction is offered in ranger skills such as first aid and map reading, while focusing on life skills, traditional culture and discipline.

Including the Yukon, there are currently 220 youth involved in nine junior ranger patrols across the North.

"It's a success story the government wants to see grow," said Blondin-Andrew.

Additional funding has made it possible to double the number of patrols scheduled for the year 2001.

Of the 34 junior Canadian ranger patrols scheduled to be created in the North over the next 3 years, 20 communities in the NWT are being considered.

Included on the list are Fort Providence, Fort McPherson and Pond Inlet, communities which are also under consideration for the establishment of a cadet unit.

The Canadian cadet organization is scheduled to receive $14.9 in additional funds, in order to enhance interprovincial and international cadet exchanges, as well as increase the number of cadet scholarships.

There will be one scholarship offered by each of the 20 cadet units across the NWT, says Blondin-Andrew.

Cadets will also see an increase in weekly training bonuses and an increase in training periods.

Members of the Canadian primary reserve can also look forward to an extra $10.8 million to increase the variety of educational courses and extended employment in summer training and occupational trades.