Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, growing up in the North, I was never interested in politics. My view was antiquated with visions of smoke filled back rooms full of white-haired men talking about things that didn't include me. But they did, and they do. The conversations in those rooms speaks to health, safety, dignity, and potential. And as I have aged, I realize that who is having the conversation is just as important as the conversation itself.
This May, the Legislative Assembly's Youth Parliament provided a week-long glimpse of territorial politics, the role of consensus government, and responsibility of representing a constituency. 19 NWT youth now have a much different view of politics than I once had.
My view today is centered on gratitude rooted in hope and inspired by vision for stronger communities and being prepared to do the work to get there. No one better embodies the honesty and integrity of politics than our youth. Our youth parliamentarians stood in this very room and called for housing solutions, treatment options, and an affordable and sustainable North.
Kam Lake was well respected by Ecole St. Patrick Student Isha Jha who spoke about the NWT's rising cost of living. The ideas and debates were entrenched in care with a 'get er' done attitude that doesn't see surmountable barriers. The NWT's youth parliamentarians pushed buzz and energy through the halls of the Legislative Assembly reminding us that our children are powerful.
In my school days, Angela Masongsong was the student voice for students against drinking and driving before the torch was passed to Candice Meadis. After, I think of LGBTQIPA+ rights champion Jacq Brasseur or more recently climate change advocate Ella Kokelj. These voices changed legislation, drove budgets and, yes, inspired a room of today's leaders.
Today I think of the youth voices that shared their living experience with the Standing Committee on Social Development as part of our child and family services review. Youth remind us the question is not if but how.
Our pleasure of standing in this room is short, Mr. Speaker. But our impact isn't, and we must never take that for granted.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the NWT youth who share their voices in this House, in our communities, and in the work we do. We respect your courage, we value your input, and the opportunity to learn from you.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank you and your staff who continue to provide this experience to our territory's youngest change makers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
