Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today in support of the new program called The Rock Skateboard Ministry established by the SideDoor Youth Ministry. Mr. Speaker, this program currently has the youth of Yellowknife at the arena for the summer months and want to run this program year round. They are looking to secure a portion of the government warehouse building to continue this ministry and are asking for this government’s and city council for support.

Mr. Speaker, they have already had a very good response to the program with over 350 youth attending the King of Kings “Revolution Tour” skate demo held between April 27th and 28th. This event was able to draw five professional skateboarders from across the U.S. and Canada.

The SideDoor has now contracted with the King of Kings to supply a professional skateboarder for the summer months and they look forward to a mutually beneficial and longstanding relationship with them. They feel that having this calibre of athletes and well-established organizations supporting this ministry in its grassroots stage is a true blessing and they wish to have role models like this year round to connect with the youth. These riders have made lasting impressions in the lives of the youth they have connected with in the short time they’ve been here.

Mr. Speaker, consistent numbers of 40 to 50 youth have attended The Rock since it has been open during the best outdoor skate weather Yellowknife has, confirming the youth’s desire for an indoor program. This is in spite of having to have the ramps removed periodically for other community events going on in the arena and a difficulty in communicating the return of the ramp with the youth.

Mr. Speaker, what’s really good about this program is the numbers seem to be growing from word of mouth on the street. With a set location and consistent days and times, they can only see these numbers increase. Their goal is to provide the youth of Yellowknife a mentored environment with healthy boundaries and limits set in an atmosphere of nurturing and acceptance. This program would continue to provide role models to reflect what it means to be a good person, with a long-term focus on helping the youth of our community reach their highest potential and encourage spiritual development and character.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have been a strong supporter of many grassroots programs in Yellowknife and two in particular. One is the program at the SideDoor. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have supported two programs in particular; one is the SideDoor program and the other is the COPs program. Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly the real work and real difference can only be made by governments working and supporting the grassroots organizations and programs like these from the bottom up, rather than introducing a solution from top to bottom. In my opinion, the government has not done enough to support these initiatives and I urge the Minister of Justice and the Minister responsible for Youth to work with its partners and put some real money and support behind it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause