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Minister Ritz wears Green in Support of 4-H Canada

November 7, 2012, Ottawa, ON - Federal agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today encourages all Canadians to wear green as part of "Show Your 4-H Colours Day" to show national pride for Canada's future farm leaders. As part of National 4-H month, November 7 is designated as "Show your 4-H Colours Day".

"We have a long history of supporting 4-H clubs across Canada and I am proud to show my 4-h pride today and every day," said Minister Ritz "I encourage every Canadian to support Canada's youth by wearing green this November 7."

Beginning in Roland, Manitoba in 1913, 4-H is one of the country's longest-running and most respected youth organizations. 4-H provides opportunities for Canada's youth to explore, learn, and discover while expanding their horizons.

"November is a special month for 4-H across Canada, and November 7 even more so," said Rob Black, Canadian 4-H Council President, former 4-H'er and current leader. "It's the day that 4-H'ers and 4-H supporters from across Canada show their 4-H colours by not only wearing green, but by telling their 4-H story and celebrating the difference that 4-H continues to make in the lives of youth, our future leaders."

More than 8,000 trained volunteer leaders help more than 26,000 4-H members develop self-confidence and learn a wide variety of skills through hands-on project work from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia.

The Harper Government has proudly supported the 4-H Council as it organizes and coordinates national and international conferences, exchanges and scholarships which focus on leadership development, career choices such as agriculture, technology transfer and other pressing issues being faced by today's rural communities and their young people. Show Your 4-H Colours day is an opportunity for 4-H leaders, alumni and supporters to show their pride, spirit and enthusiasm for youth, agriculture, leadership and skills development.

In 2013, 4-h Canada will be celebrating its centennial with events taking place across Canada. Visit www.4-h-canada.ca for more information on activities in your area.

November 7, 2012  By Govt of Canada