Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
During my last constituency visit to Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e many residents were concerned about the lack of industrial arts, home economics and physical education teachers in their school. Aspiring trade students may not pursue journeyman status without getting some experience in those trades. These days with the robust diamond and mining industry, the importance of exposing junior and senior high school students to trades cannot be overemphasized — particularly increasing their employment opportunities, as I mentioned a couple of days ago.
With more and more studies coming out about health impacts of the increased inactivity of today’s younger generation, due to the advent of computer and computer-related entertainment, it is more important than ever to have schools provide a quality physical education program. With many young mothers in our communities, every school, particularly in these smaller communities, should be able to have basic resources to provide quality home economics classes and education.
We talk about healthy, vibrant communities, community wellness, healthy choices and healthy lifestyles. Yet in my communities, the youth are unable to get a good start because they cannot participate in a structured physical education program or they are not able to learn about safe work practices, budgeting for food or learning the basics of cooking. Many of their student counterparts in larger communities can. We need to ensure that we can provide these basic yet important opportunities for our children and youth in all schools and in all communities.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
