Hong Kong Watch Canada Youth Initiative Program 2024

Hong Kong Watch Canada is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Initiative Program 2024, aimed at supporting the integration of Hong Kongers into Canadian society through civic and political engagement. The program, which began in September 2022, has already achieved great success during its 2023 Summer Term.

We are thrilled to share that two new Hong Kong immigrants/Open Work Permit holders were selected as interns by the Canadian Parliamentary Scheme after undergoing eight sessions of intensive training during the summer. These individuals have been given the opportunity to work for prominent figures in Canadian politics, with one intern now working for Senator Leo Housakos, the vice chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate, and the other interning for Tom Kmiec MP, vice chair of the Canada-PRC Relations Committee. This achievement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the program in providing valuable experience and contributing to the Canadian political landscape and pro-democracy movement.

Looking ahead, the Youth Initiative Program will run from March 2024 to June 2025, with the following goals in mind:

1. Integration: We aim to facilitate the integration of Hong Kongers into Canadian society through civic and political education and engagement.

2. Representation: Our goal is to strengthen the Hong Konger identity and increase the social and political representation of Hong Kong Canadians in Canada.

3. Advocacy: We seek to create awareness of the deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong and empower the diaspora community to take action.

To achieve these goals, the program will provide training, workshops, and volunteer/internship opportunities to Hong Kongers who are eager to join international NGOs, political parties, and work for the government and parliament. Here are the program details:

Training and Workshops:

  • Four workshops on the fundamentals of Canadian politics will be open to the public, allowing for widespread participation.

  • Community participation will be encouraged through volunteering at the HongKonger Community Center Toronto.

Placements and Parliamentary Intensive Training Sessions:

  • Hong Kong Watch Canada will assist participants in applying for volunteering opportunities at NGOs and politicians’ local offices, as well as internships in MPs’ offices.

  • The Parliamentary Internship will run from September 2024 to June 2025. Successful candidates hired by parliamentarians will receive eight intensive training sessions in the summer of 2024.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should fill out the application form by February 14, 2024.

For more information about the program, individuals can sign up for the in-person and virtual briefing session by filling out the sign-up form.

We are excited about the opportunities this program will provide for young Hong Kong immigrants and Open Work Permit holders in Canada. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and representative society while advocating for the protection of human rights in Hong Kong.

Frances BellCanada