Debates of November 29, 2007 (day 5)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with information on a new youth program in the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

In August 2007, the Youth Centres Initiative was created to provide financial support to assist with operating costs of youth centres and community-based facilities offering positive youth programs in the Northwest Territories. This program was made possible by $250,000 in new funding that was included in the department’s budget through the last supplementary appropriation.

Through this initiative, the department will provide funding to 18 communities in 2007-2008 to assist them in operation of their youth centres. Each of these eligible youth centres will receive $13,800 towards their operating costs.

Over the years, community youth centres have offered a wide range of positive programming for youth in most communities. However, one of their greatest challenges has been finding stable ongoing funding sources to support core operations.

Youth, and the organizations who provide services to them, have been asking for help to offset operating and staff costs. They often comment that access to programming dollars is not always the issue. Many times it is finding the funding for their day-to-day operations that presents the biggest challenge.

As Members may recall, this issue was also raised by youth who participated in the 2007 Youth Forum held in Yellowknife.

The Youth Centres Initiative provides an effective response to this challenge by offering financial assistance that helps communities provide youth with positive and healthy lifestyle programs.

Today’s youth are entering adulthood in a rapidly changing world. Often they feel they need a place of their own where they can be themselves and seek support from their peers and mentors. The Youth Centres Initiative will help to ensure that these needs are met. Mahsi cho.