TALOYOAK, Nunavut, May 20, 2010 – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament (Nunavut), today announced the age category winners and the territorial finalists for the Canada Day Poster Challenge 2010.

The territorial finalists are Diane Totalik for Nunavut, Shadunjen Van Kampen for Yukon, and Richelle Daniels for the Northwest Territories. Their artwork stood out from the other entries by interpreting this year’s theme “My Canada is...” in a fresh and inspiring way.

“What great talent young Canadians have shown us once again through the Canada Day Poster Challenge 2010! I’m always amazed by the creativity that emerges from the participants and the pride they express in their illustrations,” said Minister Moore. “These works of art reflect what our country’s young artists think and feel about their Canada, and it is very meaningful.”

“Young people were able to express what Canada means to them and turn it into a poster that illustrates the pride they feel as Canadians,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “I congratulate every participant, as well as the territorial finalists, and I salute all the young people across the country who helped make this year’s Canada Day Poster Challenge a success.”

Diane, Shadunjen and Richelle are among the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The national winner’s work will become the official poster for Celebrate Canada. The 13 finalists will all win a laptop computer loaded with options.

The Poster Challenge program, created in 1987, encourages young Canadians aged 5 to 18 to learn more about Canada, which makes them even more proud of our country and strengthens their feeling of belonging.

For more information on the Canada Day Poster Challenge 2010, visit www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca.