Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the introduction of the Government of the Northwest Territories new youth website, proud2bnwt.ca.
The website offers a single window for NWT youth seeking information about GNWT programs and services to help them identify supportive programming options. The site showcases positive youth role models and increases two-way communications with program and service providers.
Mr. Speaker, proud2bnwt is designed by youth for youth. Through a series of focus groups with students from Aurora College and youth from across the NWT, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs was able to create a tool that provides information that youth feel is important. Youth were also instrumental in the “look and feel” of the site, including choosing the name of the website.
Final completion of the site was accomplished through a highly collaborative effort between GNWT departments to ensure the site receives timely, relevant updates that youth can rely on for information to lead to healthy choices and lifestyles.
For professionals working with youth, the site offers links to available funding, programming and information on events and training to ensure youth from all communities receive access to these opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, our 40 youth ambassadors and 21 traditional games participants are providing updates on their unique experiences through proud2bnwt. I expect these reports to be nothing less that inspiring and I encourage all my colleagues to follow NWT youth on proud2bnwt during the games.
The GNWT’s investment in proud2bnwt is the latest way the GNWT is showing its commitment to one of our most valuable assets: our youth. Our youth are our future leaders. We need to provide them with the support and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. This website makes it easier for NWT youth to find the information and support they need to achieve their goals.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to take a moment to explore this exciting new information portal at www.proud2bnwt.ca. I would also like to thank my colleagues in this Assembly for their continued support and look forward to building on our early success. Thank you, Mr .Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Human Resources, Mr. Bob McLeod.
