Debates of October 19, 2007 (day 2)

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the youth in my constituency. During my campaign, I focused on youth. Among other things, it was one of the most important issues in Tu Nedhe. As you know, our youth represent the future. They can be a vibrant element of our communities and yet they can also be innocent victims in unfortunate situations and circumstances.

According to a census done last July, youth under the age of 19 represent almost one-third of the total population in the Northwest Territories. In my riding of Tu Nedhe, youth under age 24 represent 41 percent of the population. With this statement, Mr. Speaker, I am making a commitment to the people of Tu Nedhe that in addition to the many important issues and concerns I have heard during my campaign, I will be paying special attention to the concerns and needs of today’s youth in Tu Nedhe, Mr. Speaker, including recognizing and honouring, from time to time, the successes and achievements of various youth from my riding here in the Legislative Assembly.

We are all familiar with the saying "It takes a whole community to raise a child," but what about the resources, tools and expertise needed to support the community, Mr. Speaker? We need to ensure that, as a new government, we continue the good work of the work that has begun before us. Also, it is incumbent upon the new government to take a proactive approach to ensure that the appropriate resources, tools and expertise needed to support our youth are not only maintained, but identified as one of the government priorities. Thank you.

---Applause