The Jim Hume Youth Engagement Program
About Jim Hume
James Borden (“Jim”) Hume was an ardent supporter of Canada West Foundation. He served on the Foundation’s Board from 1995 until his death in 2009, and through the Kahanoff Foundation was involved in many of our major projects spanning natural capital, regional economic development, and gambling.
He believed that a strong public policy voice from western Canada was of benefit to all Canadians, and that a prosperous West had both the opportunity and obligation for constructive, national leadership. Jim’s infectious optimism shaped his outlook on western Canada and his contributions to the Foundation.
Western Canadian Youth
One of Jim’s ongoing priorities was the need to encourage the active involvement of young western Canadians in community life and public policy. With this priority in mind, and in recognition of Jim’s great contribution to the Canada West Foundation, the Foundation has created The Next West: A Youth Engagement Program in Recognition of Jim Hume.
This program has three objectives:
- To provide professional training opportunities for young western Canadians with an interest in public policy;
- To encourage the interest of young Canadians in public life and public policy; and
- To provide a voice for young western Canadians in policy debates and agenda setting.
Professional Training
Since 1985, the Canada West Foundation’s Internship Program has engaged top post-secondary students and recent post-secondary graduates to help expand its research capacity and to provide interns with experience conducting public policy research and engaging citizens in the public policy process. Over 80 Interns have completed the program, with many returning for multiple terms.
These Interns have gone on to a wide variety of careers in both the private and public sectors. Now called, The Jim Hume Internship Program, this program ensures at least three interns per annum will be recruited for terms ranging from 4 to 12 months.
Encouraging an Interest in Public Life
The Foundation is now in its 4th year of running The Jim Hume Memorial Student Essay Contest, open to students attending a post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba. A total of $10,000 in prize money is awarded to the top three essays. The winning essays are published by the Foundation, and disseminated to the Canadian media.
Providing a Voice for Young Western Canadians
The Foundation embraces the priorities, perspectives and aspirations of young western Canadians through survey work, conferences and events. We will continue to pursue and develop these and other initiatives.
If you would like to become a supporter or donate to the Jim Hume Youth Engagement Program, please email us or call 1.888.825.5293.