AIDS a serious threat: Miss Canada

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Speaking to a jam-packed hall of about 300 youths at an AIDS conference in North Battleford, 1991 Miss Canada Leslie McLaren said people, especially youths, must take preventative measures to ensure their safety against the virus that has killed thousands.

"There are a lot of scary things happening out there. In high school, if you don't deal with sex properly AIDS could happen to you. You must protect yourself," she said.

McLaren said the issue of AIDS must be addressed in schools and communities and preventative measures taken.

McLaren was crowned Miss Canada last October. She will vie for the Miss Universe crown against 70 other women at the 40th annual Miss Universe pageant, which will be televised from Las Vegas May 7.

"It will be an experience and I will have a friend from almost every country in the world once it's over," she told the youths.

And McLaren had words of wisdom for those who wanted to succeed in the 90's.

"You will need an education to succeed in the 90's. Education is important. It teaches us how to think, to solve problems. So if you're thinking of giving up, don't. You can do it," McLaren stressed.

Asked by one youth if she would ever marry an Indian, McLaren answered, "You bet!

"I believe in marrying someone you love and are compatible with," she smiled.

She said everyone should set new goals for themselves everyday." My goal is to be a lawyer.

"There are about 900 students in the university I attend and you must remember peer pressure is big, especially in High School."

"You must strive to be your own person. It may sound easy but it's hard. However, all you have to do is make up your own mind and do what you think is best fro you. Remember, getting into trouble can stop you from reaching your goal. A criminal record, for instance, is bad for someone just 16 years of age."

McLaren added there is a happy side to everything.

"You're young and you can chase any dream you want to. It's your choice and the choices are limitless," McLaren told the youths.