Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud today to speak on what I consider to be an inspiring achievement by constituents in my riding. In the summer of 1996, after three years of planning by the ministerial committee, the long talked about idea of a youth centre in Hay River was realized. The main goal for the organizers of the centre is to create and maintain an environment to promote the spiritual, physical and social development of youth in Hay River by presenting them with positive choices, role modelling and strategies for dealing with life's issues, based on Christian principles.
Another continuing goal of the centre is to offer our young people a safe haven to enjoy activities in an alcohol and drug free environment. The youth centre organizes and offers a wide range of activities for the young people of Hay River. In addition to in-house activities such as movies and computer access, the centre also organizes youth to assist in community events such as the Heritage Days Festival and First Night Festival.
In order for a centre of this size and range of programming to operate effectively, a staff of 25 community volunteers under the auspices of Ms. Andrea Webb, oversees the facility. Ms. Webb also acts as counsellor and confidante to the youth that come to the centre. Mr. Speaker, it is comforting to know that the youth in my riding have a place to go and find answers and guidance in an environment that is well suited to young people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause.