May 2003 News Federal Government Committed to Finding Students Summer Jobs Sara James News Editor On May 02, 2003, at the National Rural Youth Conference held in Ontario, the Federal government re- stated its commitment to assist youth in obtaining sum- mer employment. The announcement reminded youth attending the conference, of the Student Summer Job Action (SSJA) program launched in January of this year by Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDO), Jane Stewart. The SSJA program falls under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES), which was constructed to generate sum- mer employment opportunities for students. The Government of Canada is committing $120 million to the creation of job opportunities for secondary and post- secondary students between the ages of 15 and 30. YES assists student in finding both summer and year-round employment. In addition, YES is designed to help employers create a learning environment for youth. One major component of the Student Summer Job Action is HRDC’s Summer Career Placements (SCP) program, which provides wage subsidies to employers who provide career-related employment for young SARS Patients in Asia Suffering Relapses Jennifer Aikman Look OP Contributor Despite the global efforts of scientists, SARS has mutat- ed in Asia and is possibly re-infecting patients discharged from hospital. Doctors at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have reported at least two new strains of the disease. These mutations may account for at least a dozen reported relapses suffered by discharged patients in Hong Kong. According to recent statistics, SARS has killed over 400 people worldwide, with China being hardest hit. There are 181 reported deaths and over 3,800 people infected in Asia alone. China has ordered school closures in Beijing in an effort to prevent the spread of the dis- ease. The outbreak has caused social and financial hard- ship that has yet to be measured. In contrast, Health Canada has reported 326 probable cases and 23 deaths. Canadian scientists are watching China carefully, paying special attention to the two new strains. No new strains have been found in Canada so far, but officials are still concerned over recent discover- ies about the disease. German scientists have reported that the SARS virus can survive on hard surfaces for adults in school. The SCP program is so popular that the government cannot guarantee funding to all applicants. This year alone, the program hopes to assist in the devel- opment of more than 50,000 work experience jobs. SSJA is part of the government’s Skills and Learning agenda, which was created to assist in providing the future with a knowledgeable and skilled work force. The government-initiated agenda is under Canada’s Innovation Strategy, launched in 2002. The Strategy’s aim is to make Canada one of the world’s most innova- tive countries. The government feels that assisting Canadian youth in becoming the best the world has to offer is one a vital component in achieving this objective. Funding for YES programs was included in the February budget. Summer Career Placements funding by HRDC has been reviewed to confirm that the Department has complied with all rules and regulations that are a part of such programs. Students and employers can access Youth Employment Strategy programs, services, and information at . upwards of 24 hours and in human feces for as long as four days. The virus’ symptoms also seem to have altered, with the infected experiencing diarrhea rather than just respiratory failure. Canadian doctors are concerned that with the virus mutating, it will become difficult to develop a way to detect SARS. Existing research has relied on identifying the genetic structure of the virus. If the genetic structure is changing, it becomes difficult to create a single detec- tion test. It also seriously hampers efforts to develop an effective vaccine. The only positive news that has emerged regarding SARS is the hope that warm weather may cause the virus to break down and give scientists some time to get the upper hand. Right now the best advice for the general public is to wash your hands frequently and stay informed. If you have any questions or concerns about SARS, visit the Government of BC’s Health Planning website at . http://otherpress.douglas.bc.ca e the other press © Page 5