Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This Is What We Recommend Regarding Issues Which Affect Children And Youth

Mr. Chairman, young people should be given the opportunity to contribute their views within the community. They should have the chance to provide input to the process of developing policies and programs designed for them. These measures could help them to feel more involved, reflect their worth as individuals and help them to feel that they have a stake in the community. Our youth should also be provided with case studies of positive role models and local success stories as part of this process.

Government has a role to play if we are to more effectively integrate young people into the community. There must be far more cooperation and coordination between departments on matters that concern the health and quality of life of people aged 18 years and younger.

Shelter is one area in which more must be done. Local authorities should be encouraged and helped to provide temporary safe shelters or drop-in centres for young people. These shelters could offer companionship and a brief respite from a difficult home life.

Overcrowding in the home is another shelter-related issue that affects our youth. The scope of this problem needs to be determined and practical solutions need to be identified. At the same time, the government should more strongly oppose the Government of Canada's decision to practically eliminate federal funding of public housing in the North.

Communication with our youth must become a greater priority. Information dealing with a range of issues that concern young people must be provided. Communications should also be used to encourage young people, and especially aboriginal students, to pursue employment in the health and social service sectors. This would build upon other measures like the health careers material released by the Department of Health.

Mr. Chairman, these and other communication activities must be relevant to the young people they are supposed to serve. Conventional printed materials are not as effective as they once might have been. More use of film, videos and other media should be considered. Workshops and other groups activities should also be used. these may encourage participants to

discuss their questions, share their concerns and exchange information on issues that concern them.