Funding for John Ware Youth Empowerment Program

As part of Black History Month, the province is investing $144,600 into the John Ware Youth Empowerment Program over the next two years. The initiative is designed by the Global Village Centre in Brooks, and honours the legacy of John Ware, who was a black rancher and one of the first ranchers to settle in our province. He was also born into slavery in the 1800s and after gaining his freedom he came to Brooks, Alberta. Premier Jason Kenney says immigration has been an integral part of Alberta’s history.

“Immigration policy that settled the Canadian west 140 years ago- it wasn’t just about putting more people in Toronto and Montreal, it was about getting people out here to the prairies. It was a geographically targeted and focused immigration strategy that developed these communities. We need to get back to that.”

Brooks has the fifth highest percentage of minorities in Alberta. The program will provide mentorship and scholarships to 60 newcomers and minorities in the city.