Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Summer is on our doorstep, Mr. Speaker, and students have come back from colleges and universities ready to work. I have received four inquiries from Nahendeh students looking for opportunities within the territorial government. The GNWT needs to hire summer students not just in Yellowknife but in all our communities and regions.
Many government employees take holidays, leaving positions vacant for weeks at a time; a summer student could fill those positions with little impact on our overall budget. The passive restraint this government is exercising does not need to impact our future or the ability for students to earn much needed income for the fall time when they return to school.
A summer job is a great opportunity for a young person to experience the work world and acquire skills. Many students recall summer jobs during university as a valid learning experience that helped them make decisions about their future career. Taking on the responsibility of a full-time job helped build maturity and leadership.
The NWT is lucky to have young people who are willing to work. We often talk about supporting our youth, but when it comes to job opportunities, this year the support seems weak. Students that spoke with me were upset last year when there were opportunities now that our commitment for summer employment is obviously declined or even absent. I don’t believe passive restraint should be used for these valuable summer work opportunities. Reduction in government should not be on our youth and students. Let’s turn our intentions into actions, Mr. Speaker, and get these students employed. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
