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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 16, 2008 - 5 Oakville student en route to challenge G-8 eco-summit By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Meagan McKeen is leaving for Japan today, to embark on an 11-day journey that she's been preparing for since she was selected to represent Canada at the G8 Conference, three months ago. The Grade 11 Abbey Park High School student is excited to finally put the skills and responsibilities that she's gained, as one of the three Canadian students chosen to participate in the conference, into action. "I've spent the last couple months preparing for this conference. Me and the other two Canadian students have been keeping in touch through conference calls discussing our plans for the trip," she said. One of the highlights of their trip to Japan will be the presentation of the Kobe Challenge to the G8 Environmental Ministers Conference. "One person will be chosen to present the challenge," explained McKeen. The 39 students selected from 13 countries, have yet to know what the Kobe Challenge statement is. In their previous trip to London, England, the students produced three challenge statements they feel represent the main concerns of young people in regards to climate change. Youth from around the world were then asked to vote for the statement that they thought to be most representative. The plan is to present the challenge statement with the most votes to environmental ministers. "I would just like to see all the G8 ministers make an ambitious act to cut their carbon consumption," said McKeen. During their visit, students Meagan McKeen from each country will also conduct a three-minute presentation for a Japanese high school. "The three of us chose to use music for our presentation," explained McKeen. She believes music is a universal language, and would thus eliminate any "language barriers." McKeen will use Nelly Furtado's song, I'm like a bird for the presentation. "We're going to play the song and at the same time have footage of how climate change is affecting Canada." "I had my friend take the pictures for me. We actually took them from Bronte Creek," she said. And while this trip may mark the end of McKeen's participation with the program, she is confident that her projects for a greener and more sustainable environment will continue. "At the program, they made us write down three goals that we want to accomplish in regards to the environ- ment. I guess that's their way of ensuring we continue our work with the environment." For her three goals, McKeen plans to talk to John Baird, Environmental Minister of Canada, to see what Canada is doing to combat climate change. She also plans to create a national network for students to dis- cuss climate change, and lastly a Battle of the Bands competition, where bands from Toronto and Montreal compete for an environmental cause. The Indian food Oakville has bee waiting for... Real Indian food served the real Indian way... TAKE OUT MENU MEAL DEAL FOR 2 2 Veg Samosas g Butter Chicken Lamb Curry y Dal Makhani Basmati Rice 2 Naans GRAND OPENING CHANCE WIN*: A Walking on a Cloud Gift Certificate $39 95 ++ Dinner Only Pick Up Cash Deal Chill out with DJ Shooks Friday Nights For private room or outdoor catering, please call IZ 416 617 8487 218 Lakeshore Road East Oakville Walking on a Cloud RioCan Centre, Oakville 3487 Wyecroft Rd. (Burloak & South Service Road) 905 815 5900 www.paintedelephant.ca 905-469-8967 *Contest Ends May 31, 2008. Draw June 2, 2008. Only at our Oakville location.