Katimavik Update

My friend got this back from her MP:

Dear XXXXX,

Thank you for your letter and the copy you sent to our Prime Minister
regarding your concerns about the Katimavik program.
It seems that there had been some speculation that the Katimavik program
would be cut. Earlier last year year there was an internal audit after
financial irregularities were identified at Katimavik. The audit report
is being studied by the Department of Canadian Heritage and will be
discussed with Katimavik officials soon.
However, I have been assured that the program remains intact and will
continue because Canada's New Government supports youth and youth
programs that promote active citizenship and engagement in Canadian
society. Katimavik is an important youth program with a strong brand and
a three-decades old tradition and will be funded because of the
contribution the program makes to youth in Canada.
Again, thank you for writing and may the blessed season of Christmas
bring you peace and joy.

Sincerely,

Richard M. (Dick) Harris, M.P.
Cariboo - Prince George, B.C.
B.C. Caucus Chair
606 Justice Building
Tel: (613) 995-6704
Fax: (613) 996-9850

I'm concerned by "Strong Brand"
In the 80s, Katimavik was not worth its salt, it was just some after school sports program, as far as I can tell. I object to using brands if you're not true to the original product. That's why eaton's (the purple version) is lame, why I don't read Maclean's - the cosmo version- and why no one drank new coke.

However, some change is good... in the first years, not all the sleeping barns were heated. I'm not opposed to taking advantage of some of the privileges of living in a first world country, and hot showers and warm beds are pretty much the top of that list. Especially if you're going to discourage sharing beds- which Katimavik does, despite its "hippy" take on nature and consumerism.