Norman Yakeleya

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education in his Minister’s statement…I applaud him and the Minister of MACA for putting the initiative out there in the communities to help our youth. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, youth are killing themselves in the small communities. The honourable Members Mrs. Groenewegen and Mr. Dent were talking about that earlier and I’m asking the Minister what can we do to set some strong policies? I appreciate the Minister revisiting the portfolio and seeing what can we do for youth in the communities that sets some strong guidelines...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my statement today I talked about supporting the youth. My question will be directed to the Minister of MACA with regard to supporting our youth in the Northwest Territories. I ask the Minister of MACA what initiatives we can see in the Northwest Territories that would continue supporting our youth in terms of ability to make great contributions to our people in the communities in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about our future. Mr. Speaker, the elders have always told us and spoke very passionately about our future, and they continue to speak even more so in light of the changes of our lifestyles and our communities.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard, witnessed and supported our youth in many areas that contribute to the strengthening of our families, our communities and, more importantly, strengthening the youth spirit. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge several youth in communities in the North; specifically, a young lady in Fort...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister. I am just getting some clarification for myself. Are the career and technology study courses offered in small communities in regions like mine? Will they have an opportunity to apply for a program such as this? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that’s a lot of people who used to be in high school. Can I ask for the age of the young people? I have a high percentage of young people in my region. For example, close to 30 percent of the youth are in Tulita, same as Fort Good Hope. I would like to get more clarification in terms of the ages of the youth. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us when that report will be tabled in the House?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Minister. You gave a really good scenario of all the programs and things that we could do to support our youth. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister continue to maintain and I believe that the needs should have more dollars going into the program? So would the Minister see or work toward the youth contributions that the youth are getting that they would see an increase or at least see something that could be a core program for our youth in our region? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a constituent who is present, Marie Wilson. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize the great goaltender from Deline, Danny Gaudet, and the community’s good negotiator for self-government. Welcome, Danny.

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…heal our cuts and look after our elders. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s statement.