Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I’m sure the youth of Fort Resolution are pleased to see a beautiful youth centre being constructed in their community. On behalf of the community of Fort Resolution and its youth, I’d like to thank the Hamlet of Fort Resolution and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for their roles in making this youth centre a reality.
Mr. Speaker, in order to maximize the use of the youth centre, the Department of MACA must put some funding towards the community for hiring a qualified youth worker that can develop and implement youth programs at the youth centre and within the community.
Mr. Speaker, the days of just supervising youth are long gone and now we need to deliver some constructive, meaningful programs and activities that will build upon the infrastructure that will be finished soon.
There is a need for youth programs and youth activities, youth development work, counselling programs, to mention a few things that are essential to ensure that we optimize the youth centre. However, Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Fort Resolution does not receive enough funding in the youth area to hire a qualified youth worker.
Mr. Speaker, I am informed by the hamlet that their budget is very limited and they cannot afford to hire a qualified youth worker that would be able to develop and deliver the programs for the youth of Fort Resolution. Many times in this House I have spoken of youth, and I think that everyone in this Assembly knows that the youth are our future and we must do all we can to ensure the youth are impacted positively as much as possible.
Mr. Speaker, a good, solid strategic plan that looks at improving the lives of the youth today will have long-lasting benefits for all the people of the NWT tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
