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SFU Surrey student reaches "as Prime Minister" semi-finals
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August 6, 2002
Michael Kiktavy, a second-year student at Simon Fraser University Surrey, is one of 50 semi-finalists – and only three British Columbians - in Magna International's 2002 As Prime Minister Awards.
Kiktavy, a mature student and recent immigrant from the Republic of Slovakia, was chosen from among hundreds of post-secondary students from across the country who wrote a 2,500-word essay answering the question: "If you were the Prime Minister of Canada, what political vision would you offer to improve our living standards and ensure a secure and prosperous global community?"
On Aug. 7, Kiktavy will join the other semi-finalists in Toronto to present his thoughts to a panel of judges. He will also receive $500 and the chance to be among the 11 finalists, from whom a national winner will be chosen. The national winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 and an offer of a one-year internship with Magna International Inc. valued at $50,000, will be announced at an awards ceremony in Ottawa this fall.
Kiktavy’s essay advocates a liberal immigration policy, encouragement of foreign investment, investment in research and development and technology education in order to improve Canada’s competitiveness. "As prime minister I would focus on areas that create an environment that ultimately attracts major companies, investors and capital to our country," he writes in the essay.
The Burnaby resident is excited about the contest, but more about the opportunity to put forward his ideas. "I was trying to focus on workable concepts, rather than just idealistic views," Kiktavy says.
"I came to this country to push my knowledge about the world to new heights, to achieve new things -personal and professional- and most importantly - to make a difference. I chose Canada because of the values this country believes in and honours, because of its people and its culture. I love this country and I care about its future. That's why I decided to enter the contest - I believe my ideas and my vision can make a difference."
Besides his Simon Fraser University Surrey studies, Kiktavy is also working towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria.
For more information about the As Prime Minister Awards program, visit the Web site at http://www.asprimeminister.com
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CONTACT
Terry Lavender, SFU Surrey, Media & PR, 604.586.6176,
terry_lavender@sfu.ca
Kiktavy, a mature student and recent immigrant from the Republic of Slovakia, was chosen from among hundreds of post-secondary students from across the country who wrote a 2,500-word essay answering the question: "If you were the Prime Minister of Canada, what political vision would you offer to improve our living standards and ensure a secure and prosperous global community?"
On Aug. 7, Kiktavy will join the other semi-finalists in Toronto to present his thoughts to a panel of judges. He will also receive $500 and the chance to be among the 11 finalists, from whom a national winner will be chosen. The national winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 and an offer of a one-year internship with Magna International Inc. valued at $50,000, will be announced at an awards ceremony in Ottawa this fall.
Kiktavy’s essay advocates a liberal immigration policy, encouragement of foreign investment, investment in research and development and technology education in order to improve Canada’s competitiveness. "As prime minister I would focus on areas that create an environment that ultimately attracts major companies, investors and capital to our country," he writes in the essay.
The Burnaby resident is excited about the contest, but more about the opportunity to put forward his ideas. "I was trying to focus on workable concepts, rather than just idealistic views," Kiktavy says.
"I came to this country to push my knowledge about the world to new heights, to achieve new things -personal and professional- and most importantly - to make a difference. I chose Canada because of the values this country believes in and honours, because of its people and its culture. I love this country and I care about its future. That's why I decided to enter the contest - I believe my ideas and my vision can make a difference."
Besides his Simon Fraser University Surrey studies, Kiktavy is also working towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria.
For more information about the As Prime Minister Awards program, visit the Web site at http://www.asprimeminister.com
-30 -
CONTACT
Terry Lavender, SFU Surrey, Media & PR, 604.586.6176,
terry_lavender@sfu.ca