Signs agreement that builds and advances collaboration between the two organizations
QUEBEC, Sept. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Scouts Canada and l'Association des Scouts du Canada today signed the Partners for Canadian Scouting Agreement, an agreement that aims to significantly advance the level of cooperation between both organizations by creating a partnership that will be beneficial for all youth throughout Canada.
First established and countersigned by Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, in 1935, the agreement builds and expands upon the long history of the two organizations working together to share initiatives and foster the development of Canadian Scouting. While Scouts Canada and l'Association des Scouts du Canada remain two distinct organizations, they are both members of and subscribe to the Scouting principles and values as defined by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and share a common goal; the growth and development of Canadian children and youth in a fun and safe environment.
"Canada is unique as it is has two official Scouting organizations and we have this in order to meet the different cultural needs of our members across the country," said Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Governors for Scouts Canada. "Through this agreement, we have embraced the opportunity to celebrate our differences and bring together our common goals to define a unified vision and commitment that positively contributes to Canadian society, the Scouting Movement in Canada, and the growth and development of children and youth."
Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Governors for Scouts Canada and Jean-François Champagne, President du Conseil national for l'Association des Scouts du Canada signed the agreement on September 21, 2012 in Québec, Quebec and were witnessed by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Patron Scout of Scouts Canada and chef scout de l'Association des Scouts du Canada.
"The result of this agreement is a level of partnership that is quite innovative; from information sharing, to AGM participation, to collaboration on important decisions concerning the future of Canadian Scouting," said Jean-François Champagne, President du conseil national for l'Association des Scouts du Canada. "This level of partnership is hard to achieve and often unheard of and we want the work we have done and the lessons we have learned over decades of cooperation be an example for better collaboration within organizations across Canada."
It is exciting times for Scouting in Canada. Over the last few years both Scouts Canada and l'Association des Scouts du Canada have been going through revitalization processes that includes new programming, branding and uniforms. The result has been new and exciting opportunities for youth and growth in membership for both organizations. For more information on Scouts Canada visit Scouts.ca and l'Association des Scouts du Canada visit scoutsducanada.ca.
About Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, has more than 100,000 members nationwide representing every faith and culture. Scouts Canada groups offer programming in more than 19 languages reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. For more information visit scouts.ca
About Association des Scouts du Canada
Association des Scouts du Canada has more than 17,000 francophone members nationwide. According to the Scouting principles and values, its mission is to promote and support the full development of young francophone Canadians, and make them achieve their potential as individual and member of their community by playing an active role in the society.
The following persons are present in a photo accompanying this release :
Members of Scouts Canada and l'Association des Scouts du Canada with His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Patron Scout of Scouts Canada and chef scout de l'Association des Scouts du Canada. From left to right Christian Perreault, vice-président du Conseil national de l'Association des Scouts du Canada; Nicolas Gauvin, commissaire national et chef de la direction par intérim de l'Association des Scouts du Canada; Jean-François Champagne, président du Conseil national de l'Association des Scouts du Canada; His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada; Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors, Scouts Canada; Michael McKay, Executive Commissioner and CEO, Scouts Canada; Doug Reid, Deputy National Commissioner - Program Services, Scouts Canada.
Image with caption: "Members of Scouts Canada and l'Association des Scouts du Canada with His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Patron Scout of Scouts Canada and chef scout de l'Association des Scouts du Canada (CNW Group/Scouts Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120921_C8611_PHOTO_EN_18265.jpg
SOURCE: Scouts Canada
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