Media

OTTAWA, May 18, 2010  —  The University of Ottawa is the host educational partner of the G8–G20 My Summit 2010 organized by Global Vision. One hundred youth from across Canada were chosen to attend the National Youth Caucus (NYC) being held in Ottawa from May 15 to 19, 2010. The youth are staying on campus during their time in the nation’s capital.

Two University of Ottawa students, Andrea Sarkic, 19, and Shaaz Nasir, 21, both of Ottawa, are representing their region at the NYC. The major issues to be discussed include women’s health, food security, environment and nuclear proliferation. All NYC participants will have the opportunity to put their negotiating, networking and leadership skills to the test in a national competition where 26 youth (two from each province and territory) will be selected to participate in the G8 and G20 summits in June 2010. At the youth caucus this week, participants will meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other government, business and community leaders.

Andrea Sarkic, a third-year student in the international development and globalization program, works full time for Canada’s Minister of Labour, the Honourable Lisa Raitt. Andrea is also involved with the Campus Conservatives club, the debating team, model United Nations activities, Toastmasters, Amnesty International, Equal Voice and the uOttawa chapter of Best Buddies. She is also an incoming executive member for the uOttawa Pre-Law Society, president of the Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock riding Conservative Youth Association, a volunteer with Best Buddies Ottawa and assists with fundraising for Spread the Net.

Shaaz Nasir is a fourth-year student studying international economics and globalization. He has federal government work experience with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency. Shaaz is vice-president of academic affairs for the Economic Students’ Association, treasurer of the University of Ottawa tennis league and a volunteer for Justin Trudeau, MP. He is also working on a documentary about how the world economic recession has affected the homeless in Ottawa.

Both Sarkic and Nasir are available for interviews.

For more information on My Summit 2010, visit the Global Vision website. [External site.]