Martin Rempel & Brian Mullally, teacher-monitors, Fort McMurray, Alberta, 1999
"Being a program monitor is the ultimate teaching experience. Students are motivated and keen to participate. In addition, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with each other and their adult supervisors…After a two-week stay at Encounters with Canada, we left with the feeling of having participated in something extraordinary. Students and monitors improved their French, learned much about their country, themselves and each other. As one participant from British Columbia noted, "Never had one week made such an impact on my life!" Perhaps the best part of the experience was the opportunity to interact with such intelligent, outgoing, young people and watch them grow and mature in such a short period of time. They continuously amazed us with their insights and knowledge about Canada and what they would do to keep the country united. For it is these students who in sharing their stories and experiences showed us that in all our differences we really are all the same."
Vic Budz, Brooks, Alberta, teacher-monitor, Arts & Culture 2010
"This was my fourth time as a volunteer, and I continue to be amazed at the impact this program has on Canada’s youth...Through the use of speakers, tours, and workshops, 139 students had an opportunity to be impacted by our history, heritage and culture. They also learned of the important part arts play in maintaining our culture. The most significant aspect of this program is the opportunity participants have to meet and interact with their peers from across Canada. This opportunity is vital for building tolerance and understanding for the languages, culture and traditions of our vast country.”
Keyaira Gruben, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Ecology & Environment 2010
“I’d like to thank you for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime. I’m very honoured and privileged to have come here. As an Aboriginal person, it seems that we’re expected to fail. Having done this program, I haven’t enforced this stereotype of a typical “native”, but I have rebelled against this. This program also influenced me to learn français language; something I’ve never thought important. You opened my eyes to the fact I contribute to society and can make a difference. Thank you for that! Thanks, Merci, Woliwon.”
Samuel Eckert, Walkerton, Ontario, Science & Technology 2010
“My experience at Encounters with Canada was fabulous. I got to meet over 100 other Canadians from all across Canada. From the East coast of Newfoundland all the way to Dawson City, Yukon, there were people here. The staff were all very kind and helpful. It felt like I was at my own home, just with a lot of friends over. I got to learn all about science and technology and the careers involved in this field. I absolutely loved this trip."
Brendan McCambly, Carstairs, Alberta, Sports & Fitness 2010
"I would just like to inform you of the Encounters with Canada program and how it is a life changing experience. Before my trip, I was nervous and scared because I had to travel alone. But when I arrived at the Ottawa airport I met lots of kids from western Canada. Through the week, I began to make friends from every province and learn how we were similar or different. Also, after the first two days, I started to learn the Québécois language and found I can now have a conversation and make jokes with Québécois and francophonie peole. I honestly say that this is an amazing program that unifies our young people which is hard to accomplish in our diverse country. Every young person should be able to experience this once in a life time chance to make life long friends around Canada."
Taylor Hope, Orangeville, Ontario, Vimy: Canada's Coming of Age 2010
“Thank you for the amazing week! I had an incredible time! The memorial service was a great experience, and was one of my favourite parts of the trip! I also enjoyed going to the War Museum, the Museum of Civilization and the National Archives of Canada! Doing the research on the soldier made this all very real for me and it's an experience I'll never forget. I met fabulous people this week and when I look back, I can't believe all the different experiences we shared. I know I've made many friends that I'll keep in touch with for a long time. The Vimy Week at EWC, I'm sure is going to be something I'll remember forever.”
Lois Currie, Wainwright, Alberta, parent, April 2010
"I just wanted to say a very big thank you to your staff member Daniela - Jessica was in tears this a.m., when she called us at 4:00 that her luggage had still not arrived. I knew that EWC was working hard to recover it, but my concern was Jessica's emotional stress more than the luggage itself. As I was in tears, as well, when speaking with Daniela - she did everything she could to assure me that someone would help Jessica out today with whatever she needed, and would help turn her week around. I hung up the phone feeling much relief and confidence that my girl was in good hands. I understand that the bag has now arrived and I just spoke to Jess and can hear the change in her voice. I have no doubt the rest of her week will be fabulous, with no more requests to come home early!
Daniela - a rose to you, mother to mother, for letting me know I could trust someone was going to take care of my girl. I appreciate your help this morning more than you know.
Thanks EWC - what an amazing opportunity for my child to understand the battle of Vimy Ridge and what her great grandfather achieved, along with his fellow soldiers!
We are blessed to live in this great country and have these opportunities available for our children."
Amanda Wolczanski, Toronto, Ontario, Ecology & Environment 2010
“Thank you for sponsoring this week at Encounters with Canada. The program has truly opened my eyes to environmental awareness and the importance of it in our society today. It has been a once in a lifetime experience to speak to youth from across the country in one place. Without your support, the memories I have taken away from my EWC week could not have been realized. I walk away with new aspirations and the vision of infinite possibilities.”
Ashley Bramwell, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Arts & Culture 2010
“Thank you so much for letting me have this opportunity of a lifetime. Your generous funding allowed 32 of my fellow students and I to visit Ottawa and meet students from all across Canada. It was an amazing experience that I’m not going to forget in a hurry. This is something I will recommend to all of my friends back home. Encounters with Canada game me the chance to see Canada in a way that I never thought I would. Out trip to Parliament showed me the more “energetic” side of government and gave me an insight of the realism of politics. The cultural aspect of the week opened my eyes to the different cultures and backgrounds around Canada especially those not usually showcased. I also got to share my province with many other students and learn about their’s, expanding my knowledge of Canada. Once again, thank you for this incredible adventure. You’re given me another reason to smile about Canada.”
Jacie Targett, Yoho, New Brunswick, International Affairs 2010
“This is undoubtedly the most memorable and educational experience of my life so far. I have learned so much about how to follow the career path I want and how to make a difference in my community. I have met friends that I will never forget. I heard speakers who had excellent advice, and who have had amazing or terrifying experiences. I am so grateful for the opportunities I had here. I do not know what else to say about how life changing this week was for me. I never expected it to be. I thought it would just be a good time, fool around with a bunch of kids my age. But it was so much more than that. I want to thank the province for the financial aid it gives to the program. It has meant the world to me to be here with so many wonderful people.”
Kendra Gillam, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Medicine & Health 2010
“I experienced a wonderful time at Encounters with Canada. The program really opened my eyes and mind to a wide and vast variety of people, especially (or primarily) my peers. I had the most amazing time on Parliament Hill, as well as at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Other than meeting new friends from across our beautiful country, my favorite part of partaking in this program was (and is) too many things to mention. We went to see a magic show for our cultural activity, and it was amazing. We took a bus tour along the streets of Ottawa that gave us a taste of what other sights and sounds of what our capital offers. Through this letter, I would like to give my thanks to you for generously supporting this program. I’m very grateful for having this experience and sharing the joys of Canada with peers from coast to coast.”
Mackenzie Stannard, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Journalism & Communications 2010
“Thank you for helping me with the fees for this amazing program, Encounters with Canada. I had a once in a lifetime experience. The opportunity they provided for us to learn about an area of interest with youth nationwide is something that should continue to be promoted. My eyes were opened to the diversity from coast to coast. A fire has been lit to speak French in order to communicate with the entire nation. During my week, journalism, I was able to speak with people of the profession and see their work environments. Being interested in politics has always been one of my attributes, but with the opportunity to see a question period this interest has been raised to a higher level. You helped with my ability to take part in a program like this, and for that I am forever grateful.”
Danielle Rowley, McBride, British Columbia, Politics in Canada 2010
"I come from the small village of McBride and the opportunity to come to the very impressive city of Ottawa was extraordinary. This was also the first time that I have come to Ottawa let alone Ontario. I had the opportunity to visit Parliament Hill as well as attend the Budget speech. I feel that because of this experience I am a more well rounded person who will strive to become more involved in Politics and my community. I also met other people with similar interests and made some everlasting bonds...I feel that this week has been an extremely enriching week and would love to see many more youths from our wonderful province attending the Encounters with Canada program."
Becky Fleming, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Newfoundland-Labrador, RCMP 2010
To RCMP Commissioner William J. S. Elliott: "…I wanted more information on the RCMP to reaffirm my own strong interest in becoming one of your officers…This trip has made my career dreams more realistic and concrete, and I now have a much better idea of how to achieve my goals as a (hopefully!) future officer…Thank you for providing for the whole week, sponsoring our activities, and offering up the expertise of your own staff. It has been a phenomenal experience, getting to know the ins and outs of our police in Canada. I hope to someday meet you again as a member of the RCMP."
Spencer Williams, British Columbia, Journalism & Communications 2009
“It was an eye-opening and somewhat life-changing experience for me. I met many cool people and I now have friends from all over Canada…I learned about the importance of bilingualism in Canada and how far you can go if you have both languages. I can’t speak French at all but during my trip I met so many French-speaking people that I now feel as though I can understand it!.. it really made me feel proud to call myself a Canadian because of our respect for the two founding languages of our country.
Going to Ottawa, I had an expectation that it was going to be all classroom work and homework and be a tad bit boring. But no, I totally underestimated the depth of the program and it turned out to be the most fun I’ve ever had.
As a person with a disability, doing this program I found it to be very accommodating to my needs. It allowed me to participate in the program to my fullest ability without any setbacks. The biggest thing for me is teaching everybody about me and that not everyone that’s in a wheelchair is “scary”. Everyone accepted me for who I was. They saw me, and not the wheelchair!”