Mr. Speaker, the numbers are in and I'm pleased to say that the Northwest Territories tourism sector continues to lead our territory's march to a more diverse economy. Even on the heels of what was an extraordinary year of growth, in 2017-2018 we have once again seen our tourism numbers climb.
For the first time, over 110,000 visitors travelled to the NWT, spending over $203 million in the process. Overall, visitation to the Northwest Territories increased by 4 percent last year. While modest for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, it supports the much broader and steeper five-year trend of improvements that we are seeing in our tourism numbers.
Since 2013, visitation has increased by 19 percent. Spending has increased by nearly 50 percent and we are well on the way to achieving our target of $207 million annually identified in our Tourism 2020 plan.
Mr. Speaker, the most notable increase in our new numbers is found in Aurora viewing. Thirty-five thousand visitors came to our territory last year to see our northern lights, a 17 percent increase over 2016-2017. Those visitors spent almost $57 million, also a 17 percent jump.
Telling our story has been essential in getting us to this point. It will become even more important as we continue to grow our share of the international travel market. Central to these efforts is our partner, NWT Tourism, whose staff represent the Spectacular NWT brand and work hard to showcase our territory and all it has to offer to our potential visitors, across the country and around the globe.
2018 was a good year for us. The NWT's participation in the Canada-China Year of Tourism realized an unprecedented exchange of information between our jurisdiction and the world's fastest-growing tourist market. This included the federally led trade mission to China during which NWT Tourism solidified a partnership with Flow Creative Marketing Limited. The partnership gives the Spectacular NWT brand a consistent, locally relevant presence in the Chinese market. It was an important step and an opportunity to attract even more visitors to our spectacular territory.
The mission also highlighted Alipay as an important tool to encourage Chinese travelers to consider the NWT as their destination, purchase their tourism experiences, and spend money once they got here. At a follow-up event earlier this month, Yellowknife business owners got an opportunity to learn first-hand how this third-party mobile and online payment platform can benefit and grow tourism-based businesses in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, in September Industry, Tourism and Investment, along with NWT Tourism, ushered in a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada that will leverage investment in Indigenous cultural tourism in the Northwest Territories. This is a popular and unique element of our territory's tourism offering that gives our territory an edge in the competitive global tourism marketplace.
Next week, I look forward to attending Northwest Territories Tourism's Annual Tourism Conference, an event which will bring together the Northwest Territories' local industry, international tourism and travel experts, and government support networks to exchange ideas, learn, and celebrate tourism success across the Northwest Territories. The theme for this year's event is Change, Challenge, Opportunity. It is a timely and fitting theme, given the position of our industry today.
There is no doubt that the surge of tourism that we have seen in the past five years has brought unprecedented change to our business landscape. We're sharing the Northwest Territories with more people than ever before. Tourism has brought a great deal of opportunity for businesses; from charter fishing businesses to Indigenous tourism outfitters to aurora operators. The department's Facebook pages are full of stories about Northwest Territories residents and entrepreneurs using programs and supports to advance their part in our ever-expanding tourism sector.
While new products and services mean new opportunities, we are also experiencing growing pains. Our capacity to respond to increased infrastructure demands, enforcement, and administrative challenges is being stretched.
In the North our new highway has opened a new era of tourism. Preliminary numbers indicate that the number of park permits issued in the Beaufort Delta appears to have doubled. Visits to the Western Arctic Visitors Centre in Inuvik have increased by more than half. Meanwhile, three times more people popped in to the new visitors' information centre in Tuktoyaktuk than there are residents in the community.
Mr. Speaker, we are working with the hamlet, local entrepreneurs, and funding sources like CanNor to catch up with the many needs and opportunities that are being identified daily.
Here in Yellowknife we have added staff to facilitate the winter use of our parks by commercial tourism operators. We have also invested in staff and resources to address concerns about the administration and enforcement of tourism licenses.
Across the Northwest Territories we have instituted safety planning for tourism operators as a condition of their tourism license. We're continuing our investments of more than $5 million annually into the tourism-related businesses, infrastructure, and training under our Tourism 2020 strategy to ensure all tourism operators and their businesses are positioned to grow and benefit alongside our booming industry.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize the contributions that this sector can make to our overall objective of greater economic development and diversity. The numbers that we are seeing, and even the challenges that we are addressing, are evidence of the fact that our approach is working and that our investments are paying off. Industry, Tourism and Investment is committed to ensuring that the right programs and supports are in place to capitalize on the growing demand that we are seeing for our spectacular Northwest Territories. I look forward to seeing even more growth in our territory's second-largest industry in the years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide an update on the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs' progress on our mandate commitment to develop and implement a Northwest Territories Physical Activity Strategy. This strategy will promote community wellness and encourage individuals and families to lead healthy lifestyles through the promotion of physical activity.
Earlier this year the South Slave communities of Hay River, Fort Smith, and the K'atlodeeche First Nation hosted a very successful Arctic Winter Games. They proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that our communities are capable of tremendous achievements when volunteers, organizations, and companies collaborate to support important sport and recreation projects.
I mention this major accomplishment because it lays the groundwork for an important principle, that being, when individuals, communities, organizations, and governments share a common vision and work together, our successes will be stronger, our actions will be more meaningful, and our results will have more impact. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will use this principle as the foundation of our Northwest Territories Physical Activity Strategy and a broader Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Framework.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this fall the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs retained the services of an external contractor to help develop a framework that will support sport, physical activity, and recreation in our communities.
The development process will include engagement with the organizations most directly involved in sport and recreation, as well as the public and communities. We are aiming for a plan that will ensure our investments from funds approved by the Legislative Assembly and from the Western Canada Lottery Program are invested wisely and for the greatest benefit for our residents.
Mr. Speaker, by the spring of 2019 Members of this House will be able to review and comment on:
A Northwest Territories Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Framework, including our mandate commitment, the complementary NWT Physical Activity Strategy;
A funding policy for the utilization of Western Canada Lottery Program resources; and
An evaluation framework to measure progress in future years.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing from residents and stakeholders throughout the engagement process. These important policies will help us make wise use of our resources for sport, physical activities and recreation to make our communities stronger and our people healthier. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister's statements. Colleagues, allow me to draw your attention to people in the gallery. We have with us here today Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford. As many of you know, Mr. Whitford has had many roles in the past; former Commissioner, former Speaker, former Minister, former Member, former Sergeant-at-Arm, honorary Clerk at the Table, and a Member of the Order of the NWT. Welcome to our Assembly. In addition to that, colleagues, we have with us Mr. Yacub Adam, member of the NWT Human Rights Commission. Welcome to our Chambers.
Mr. Speaker, as we are seeing, the threat of a work stoppage looms large every day. Four thousand workers across the territory have been without a contract for more than two years, and they are frustrated. On the other side is a government that is walking a very narrow line between supporting economic growth and pinching every possible penny.
Mr. Speaker, I am not one of those who will stand up and suggest the government has lots of money and should be ever more generous with our workers. I know we have all worked too hard in the 18th Assembly, keeping a careful eye on spending, and I know for a fact that every dollar is being stretched.
On the other hand, I see the UNW membership not as opponents but as members of the same team. Any good policy idea, program, or service that gets debated in this Chamber will one day need our highly skilled team of employees to make it happen. The union membership deserves our gratitude and respect for the contribution they make to our standard of living throughout the entire NWT.
It's not my place to comment on specifics, but the membership feels as though it's been given nothing for a long time. In this room, as I have said, we know how hard the pennies are to come by. As partners with them, we can see that is a problem.
However, the alternative, job action, is a blunt weapon. It will hurt everyone; the membership, the local businesses we all shop at, the rising debt of those temporarily out of work, and the clients of the many government programs that will have to be suspended or delayed. No one benefits from a job action in this case.
So, Mr. Speaker, I will echo the words of my colleague from Kam Lake earlier this week. I urge participants from all sides of these negotiations to not give up, to keep at the bargaining, and to continue seeking compromises that can lead to a resolution. None of us will be better off if job action takes place, especially with a fragile economy. Negotiations must not fail. We must reach a compromise that allows our professional, engaged public servants to go back to work, confident that their contributions are needed, valued, and respected. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, mould is a persistent problem in northern housing, and it's one that can have potentially severe impacts on health and well-being. It's also a housing problem that's often not too well understood. Sometimes it can be addressed with a bit of focused cleaning. Other times, professional remediation is required, which is usually the case across the northern part of the territory.
Mr. Speaker, mould is a fungal growth that crops up in spaces where there is excess moisture in the air. That could be places like windowsills or bathroom walls or in materials that get damp, like carpet or drywall. As mould grows, it releases spores into the air. Breathing in these spores can cause health problems, aggravating pre-existing conditions like asthma or contributing to serious respiratory infections.
Now, how does mould happen? Well, it can have many causes. Overcrowding in homes can overwhelm houses' ventilation systems, bringing on moisture buildup. Mr. Speaker, poor construction is one of the contributing factors to mould in the Northwest Territories. Poor windows and insulation, insufficient heating, wet materials, little or no ventilation, and irregular maintenance can also contribute.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, how can we fix it? A Government of Canada paper called "Meeting the Northern Housing Challenge" made a number of suggestions for housing design itself: exterior porches; open-concept living areas; large south-facing windows; minimal corners and edges which encourage heat loss; and sealed roofs. Incorporating these things into housing planning, along with individual moisture management and maintenance practice, can help keep homes mould-free.
Mr. Speaker, mould problems can be very intimidating. People may be embarrassed or may not be able to identify whether the mould is a health risk or an easily solved matter. They may also be concerned for their health and the health of their families. I would like to see more public communication and public information on this subject, Mr. Speaker. Later I will have questions at the appropriate time. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the gallery again. We have with us Grand Chief Gladys Norwegian. Welcome to our Assembly. We also have the presence of the mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, Merven Gruben. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the high cost and limited availability of licensed childcare in Yellowknife. For young families in Yellowknife, the cost of childcare is the second-largest household expense. Parents are paying $900 per month on average to have one child in full-time care. The other issue is availability. The Yellowknife daycare, for example, has a waiting list of 151 children. They have space for 100 children.
These are basic problems, and they exist in other NWT communities, as well. Childcare is unaffordable, even for parents with two good incomes, particularly if they have multiple children in care. Eleven NWT communities do not have licensed childcare, at all. I made universal childcare a priority during the last election. Universal childcare was included in the mandate, but it was later watered down to read "creating an action plan for a phased-in approach to making childcare more accessible and more affordable."
There are so many reasons for the GNWT to invest in universal, affordable childcare. The first is child development. Second, women could choose whether to remain in their paid jobs or stay at home with their children, making a decision not solely driven by affordability or availability. Investing in universal, affordable childcare even benefits those without small children. It creates a demand for training and additional employment in the childcare field, itself. The NWT Bureau of Statistics estimates that the economic multiplier, a type of return on investment, for childcare services as 9.86 jobs for every $1 million invested, and parents who return to the workforce as well as the additional childcare staff are paying taxes and spending.
Mr. Speaker, in its mandate tracker, the government has marked this commitment as "fulfilled." This is ridiculous. Costs have not gone down, and accessibility has not gone up. While Cabinet wrings its hands about adding to the cost of living with a carbon tax; for example, they are okay to leave the high costs of childcare where it is.
The agreement with Canada does not address these issues. The plan I found online, it has not made its way to committee yet, says most of the money will be allocated to professional development. It will apparently create 100 spaces over the next three years; peanuts, even if it was all spent in Yellowknife, and there is no word on how the agreement will make childcare more affordable. I will have questions for the Minister. Mahsi.
Colleagues, I draw your attention to the visitors in the gallery, as well. We have with us here the mayor of Paulatuk, Ray Ruben. Welcome to our Assembly. Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week the Department of Municipal and Community Services recognized exceptional NWT firefighters through the annual Fire Service Merit Awards.
Collectively, the Fort Providence Fire Department received a merit award in recognition of the advancements they've made in achieving organizational excellence and safety compliance. I'd like to extend a congratulations to them.
Mr. Speaker, this is no small thing. I'm very proud of what the Fort Providence Fire Department has accomplished, especially after a recent reorganization. As with many local services, communities come together to get the job done.
New Fire Chief Andy Carpenter and along with Deputy Fire Chief Cameron Sapp lead a fresh crew of volunteers, and I know that a great deal of training and planning went into their reorganization. The team had to work through several levels of training before they could qualify to officially fight fires in the community, and I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the whole community is grateful for these volunteers' service.
While we're on the subject, I also want to leave Members and listeners with a few thoughts on fire safety. With winter setting in, it's more common for residents to burn wood at home. Extra attention must be paid to proper maintenance and care, including cleaning up chimneys and wood stoves and keeping an eye on all burning fires. Remember the ABCs: always be careful. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs revoked the duties from the town of Norman Wells leadership on October 18, 2017. The town of Norman Wells since has been under the appointment of the administrator.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT seen six municipal elections on October 15, 2018, Norman Wells included. The community encountered many downward economic challenges in the absence of leadership. Residents continue to reside in an environment of uncertainty.
Now, Mr. Speaker, through determination and resiliency the community is experiencing positive growth. The oilfield is back in operation, residents are returning to the community, and the first 14 kilometres of the Mackenzie Valley Highway are completed with signs of further sectional construction.
The Department of Health and Social Services' regional health centre, with employment of 70 positions, has made a huge economic contribution to the community's stability.
Mr. Speaker, concerned parents are united and determined to reopen the Norman Wells daycare. Kudos to them.
Mr. Speaker, with a 64.5 percent election turnout during the last election on October 15th, I look forward to working collaboratively with the new leadership. This will start right after the inauguration set by the leadership during the first week of November. Mahsi
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, community governments can provide municipal services to our residents who rely on annual core funding from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for their operation and maintenance needs. This funding also allows them to provide vital water and sewer services to community residents and build public infrastructure.
At the start of the Legislative Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories acknowledged that there is a gap between the core funding needs of the community governments and the level of funding that they are getting. In its 2016 mandate, the GNWT committed to developing a strategy to close this funding gap over the next nine years, which meant we could expect the gap to be closed by the year 2025-2026.
In 2018-2019, MACA's business plan said that the community operations division would begin to implement the strategy that "will allow the government to close the gap in community government funding levels over the next nine years." On this basis, it would appear that we now expect the municipal funding gap to be closed by the year 2027-2028.
Mr. Speaker, it has been three years since this commitment was made, and the Members of this Assembly have yet to see the strategy. Every year that there is a shortfall in funding to community governments, the amounts of the shortfall compound, meaning that the funding gap that existed in 2016 has grown over three years, while at the same time inflation increases the cost of living and erodes the spending power of municipalities.
I am concerned at the lack of process by GNWT on mandate commitment 4.5.5. If the department keeps pushing off the start of the nine-year window for closing the gap, we will never see this gap being addressed. For years that we delay this work, there needs to be a recognition that the strategy may have to change to account for the compound growth in the funding shortfall.
I'm not confident MACA is accurately accounting for this fact, nor do I have any comfort that a strategy is forthcoming. Today I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs on the department's work in this area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Colleagues, I am drawing your attention to the visitors in the gallery. We have with us here today Mr. David Ramsay, former Member and former Minister. Welcome to our Assembly. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. Recent CBC reports raise many concerns that tourism licensing, regulation, and enforcement is weak and ineffective, and that operations could pose a risk to tourists, to the reputation of the tourism industry, and even to personal safety.
The media reports are detailed and extensive, citing problems with individual operators and the ability of the GNWT to enforce its rules and correct operators who may be out there doing something that is not quite right.
Under the law, an operator must have a licence issued by the territorial government to take money from tour services. If an operator is unlicensed, they are not obliged to follow safety rules nor have the proper insurance for their activities that can place tourists at a greater risk.
Media reports include many instances of operations providing poor tour experiences, including uninsured operations such as unsupervised canoeing. Instances of baiting wildlife to arrange photo ops for visitors have been reported, and we're all aware of the instances of road accidents, unsafe parking, and stranded tourists in and around Yellowknife.
I've also spoken in the past on the inadequacy of our consumer protection law. The case of a Yellowknife restaurant offering fish from Kazakhstan as local pickerel. Any policing of the tourism sector requires the ability to receive and investigate complaints in a timely fashion, and provide redress and restitution to customers who have not been fairly treated.
In the Hansard of October 18th, Small Business Day, the ITI Minister had this to say about tourism: "We are a victim of our own success. I have said that in this House before. Build it, and they will come. That is what happened around tourism, and that is what is happening particularly in the region of Yellowknife." As I can't fail to point out again, the commitment to building the tourism industry has not included a new visitors' information centre for Yellowknife, and according to these recent CBC reports, has not included an adequate capacity to regulate and protect the quality of the tourism industry.
As this government continues to promote tourism as economic diversification, we need to protect the quality of our product and ensure adequate regulation for the experience and safety of the visitors who come to Yellowknife and the NWT as a whole. I will have questions for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to do a eulogy for two men who were lifelong residents of the Northwest Territories; both of whom were close friends of mine. Their names are Charles Larocque and William Larocque. They were first cousins, and they passed away about a month apart last September and last August.
Mr. Speaker, Charles Larocque was born on July 17, 1955, and passed away at the age of 63 on September 27, 2018. Charles had a nickname. To everyone who knew him, he was "Sunshine." Sunshine was predeceased by his father, Archie Larocque, and his brothers, Johnny and Pat, as he had a nickname so that the majority of his family are his siblings.
Mr. Speaker, Sunshine is survived by his wife, Margaret Mckay; his mother, 90-year-old Florence Larocque; his children, Kento, Shawna, and Savanna. I am going to try some nicknames of these siblings, Mr. Speaker. His siblings were Wally, Terri, Annie, Dawna, Allan, known as "Stinky," James "Lovey," Frank, Vernon "Sweet," George "Snuckie," Darryl "Levie," Elaine "Fatso," Melvin "Ugly man," Jack "Arsenic," Roy "Bucklow," Archie "Smokey," Clifford "Blue," Therese, Brian "Garbage," and Henry.
Mr. Speaker, William Larocque also had a nickname, and he was known as "Jay." He was born on January 29, 1954. He was 64 years old when he passed away on August 15, 2018. Jay was predeceased by his mother, Harriet (Mcswain) Mercredi, and his father, Stan "The Man" Larocque, and his brother, Allan.
Mr. Speaker, Jay is survived by his wife, Gibby; his children, Janice, Michelle, Nancy, Russel, and Brendan; his siblings, Martha Mercredi, Ruth McCullough, Lloyd Willy, James "Ugly Man" Larocque, Larry "Buckler" Larocque, Gord Mcswain, and William Mcswain, better known as "Willy."
Mr. Speaker, Sunshine was a well-liked man, known to everyone across the Northwest Territories. He has been a friend of mine. He was a mine for 50 years, and I never heard one single person say anything negative about him.
Jay Larocque was much the same, Mr. Speaker. In fact, at his funeral, I spoke to Jay's mother-in-law, Mrs. Hamilton. After the church, she came up to me, and she said, "I had no idea how many friends Jay had."
Mr. Speaker, both of these were wonderful people. The NWT has truly lost great individuals in Sunshine and Jay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Rita and Joe Banksland. Rita is originally from Ulukhaktok, and lives in Yellowknife now; my high school buddy, Ryan Yakeleya is up there, as well, too; again, the Mayor of Paulatuk, Ray Gruben; and also my beautiful wife, Yvonne, who is sitting in the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two constituents of mine: first, Gladys Norwegian, Grand Chief for the Dehcho Nation; and Emma Amundson, who is on the board of directors for the Native Women's Association. Welcome and thank you very much for attending.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a list of people I would like to recognize today. I would like to recognize Mr. Fraser Oliver and David Murphy from the Northwest Territories Teacher's Association. Thank you for being here.
The Native Women's Association, we have from the board of directors Ms. Liza Piper, the president; Mabel Brown; Rita Banksland; Cheryl Voytilla; Karen Caesar; Emma Amundson; Angela McKay; Jane Weyallon; Therese Villeneuve. From the staff of the Native Women's Association, we have Jennie Turner; Rachel Tambour-Zoe; Marie Speakman; Tina Hawker; Delilah Turner; Cheryl Moore; Sandra Cumming; and Rita Wray.
I would like to also take a moment to welcome another woman in leadership, Ms. Gladys Norwegian. I am honoured to have you here. Of course, I could not forget my nephew. Garrett Cochrane is in the gallery today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two members of the Kam Lake constituency: Mr. Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers and Kam Lake constituent; and Mr. Fraser Oliver, Kam Lake constituent and member of the NWT Teacher's Association. Thank you for being here today.
I would also like to recognize Mr. Dave Ramsay, the former Member for Kam Lake, and Mr. Garrett Cochrane, the former CA for the Member for Kam Lake. Thank you.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize some constituents from the riding of Yellowknife North: the man of many hats, of course, Mr. Tony Whitford. I would like to recognize, Yakub Adam, Frank Walsh, and Dave Ramsay. Welcome to the House and thank you for being here.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize a couple of constituents of mine. My understanding is that Shirley Tsetta might be here from Ndilo. Angela McKay, I would like to recognize Angela. She is from Fort Resolution. I would like to also recognize Terry Villeneuve. Terry is a respected elder from my home community and mother of the former Member from Tu Nedhe, Bobby Villeneuve. Thank you.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to recognize Gladys Norwegian, the Grand Chief of the Dehcho First Nations. I understand Gladys is from Tthets'ek'ehdeli or Jean Marie River. I would like to welcome her to the House today. Mahsi.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife South.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize a constituent of Yellowknife South, Gayla Thunstrom.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I haven't been able to find her, but I have been told that resident of Hay River, Jaylene Delorme-Buggins, is in the gallery. Once again, she is here with the Native Women's Association and, I believe, just recently back from a trip to South America with other Aboriginal youth. She does a lot of good things for the youth. I want to welcome her to the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
