PLAST Scouts on Parliament Hill

International Jamboree Marks 95th Anniversary of PLAST Ukrainian Scouting

Ottawa – Liberal M.P. Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Centre) hosted a meeting on August 15 in Ottawa with a contingent of the 700-plus PLAST Ukrainian scouting youth participating in their international jamboree.  A group of some forty PLAST youth from Ukraine were among those visiting the Parliament of Canada.

Wrzesnewskyj personally escorted the contingent of PLAST youth through the halls of Parliament. In the House of Commons, the youth were extended the very special privilege of sitting where Liberal Members of Parliament normally sit during debates. Wrzesnewskyj and the PLAST youth spent the good part of an hour exchanging their ideas and views on Canada’s parliamentary system and the role of Members of Parliament.

Wrzesnewskyj, who is an alumnus of PLAST, praised this world-wide Ukrainian youth organization dedicated to helping the future leaders of society fulfill their potential, become independent, acquire leadership skills and learn to work co-operatively:

“The proven aims of PLAST are to help guide youth to become competent, responsible and valuable citizens contributing to the betterment of humankind through efforts at the local, national and international levels. PLAST’s yearly program culminates in annual summer camps where lifelong friendships are forged and leadership skills developed. It is particularly gratifying to know that PLAST Canada has taken a leadership role in aiding the reintroduction and development of the organization throughout Ukraine …

The next day, on August 16, Liberal Opposition House Leader the Hon. Ralph Goodale and Wrzesnewskyj welcomed the enthusiastic 700 strong PLAST youth contingent gathered on the rain drenched lawn of Parliament Hill at the official ceremony marking the 95th Anniversary of the founding of PLAST.

During his remarks, Goodale read official greetings from Liberal Opposition Leader Stйphane Dion which stated:

“Since PLAST’s inception, countless young Canadians have had the privilege of taking part in its activities, where they learn valuable skills that help them become strong and contributing members of society. Celebrating the anniversary of the Ukrainian scouting movement is an opportunity to promote the values, benefits and achievements of Scouting to the world. It is my hope that PLAST’s noble efforts will continue to strengthen our country’s social foundations for years to come… Wrzesnewskyj in his remarks addressed the importance of principled leadership that scouting imbues in our youth and was surprised to have received an award plaque from PLAST which reads:

“In honour of your many years of generous work which reflect the highest ideals of the scouting movement, including your work within the ranks of the Ukrainian Scouting Association and the broader Ukrainian community, including more specifically your devotion to community, cultural and patriotic goals for the benefit of the Church, Ukraine and PLAST.”

Following the ceremony, Goodale and Wrzesnewskyj, greeted and spoke with many of the young people from across the world participating in the international jamboree.