FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YOUNG CANADIANS BUILD NEW MAGNETIC NORTH - Canada25 report helps Canada in global quest for talent - TORONTO (June 27, 2001) A dynamic group of young citizens is taking an active role to make Canada the destination of choice for mobile young talent, just in time for Canada Day. Canada25, a non-partisan organization dedicated to revitalizing the role of 20 to 30-year-old Canadians in our country's political debate, is releasing its first report entitled A New Magnetic North: How Canada can Attract and Retain Young Talent. The report is based on the work of a group of 22 young citizens from across the country, who met at Canada25's inaugural forum to share perspectives, recommendations and propose initiatives to make Canada a magnet for talent. This year's delegates represent a diverse cross-section of society, including science, human rights, academia, acting, new media, business and teaching. Among their accomplishments, they have built businesses, been cited in front of the Supreme Court of Canada, started theatre groups, written in world-leading academic journals, conducted cutting-edge research and founded not-for-profit organizations. Chosen based on their experiences, exceptional accomplishments and open-minded approach to the issue, they are linked together because they are leaders in their fields and have all grappled with the choice of where to start their careers. "Canada25 is addressing this issue at an important time in my life," says delegate Mark MacLachlan, a post-doctorate student at MIT who will begin his professorship at the University of British Columbia in the fall. "I was torn between offers in Canada and the U.S., and have seen many of my peers take jobs south of the border for financial reasons and opportunities. I think in A New Magnetic North we identify some specific actions that can help Canada win the global war for talent." The report first lays out the core considerations that talented young people consider when deciding where to start a career. It then examines the issue from a variety of sectors including academia and research, health, arts and culture, entrepreneurs and technology, public and voluntary and professionals. A New Magnetic North balances its approach among three objectives: To encourage dialogue, Canada25 raises points for open and constructive debate To draw implications, Canada25 articulates policy directions to help Canada become a magnet for talent To make a difference, Canada25 identifies specific initiatives that it will champion to encourage the attraction and retention of top talent "Canada is ideally positioned to be a winner in the knowledge based economy," says Gord Moodie, director, Canada25. "With a good standard of living, a vibrant and diverse population, an improving economic position and a strong system of social services, Canada is one of the fortunate countries that faces no significant hurdle in its bid to become a leader in the global economy. We hope that A New Magnetic North will be a catalyst to launched a reasoned national debate about this critical issue." Canada25 has secured a broad base of support from the following partners and sponsors: Maclean's, The Royal Bank Financial Group, McKinsey & Company, Canadian National (CN), Air Canada, Bombardier, Stikeman Elliott, William M. Mercer, D-Code and Queen's University. Canada25 is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the role of 20 to 30-year-old Canadians in our country's political debate. The organization was founded less than a year ago by six young Canadians who wanted to give young people a greater voice in the country's policy debate. Canada25 is looking to increase its membership and encourages young Canadians across the country to get involved. Initially, Canada25 will be in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, as well as in several U.S. cities including Boston, New York and San Francisco. Further information about the organization and getting involved is available at http://www.canada25.com/. A New Magnetic North: How Canada can Attract and Retain Young Talent is available at http://www.canada25.com/ - 30 - For further information, please contact: Alison Loat Executive Director, Canada25 Tel: 416.313.3884 aloat@canada25.com Canada25 Media Centre