Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on the issue that most of the communities are affected by the lack of programming for youth. Mr. Speaker, we need to address the needs of the youth. It is of great concern for me, and probably other Members of this House, and we can agree here today, that the needs to address the needs of the youth. Recently, we have all seen the problems and effects that leave young people uninterested and bored youth have had on society in some of our communities. Many of the youth feel there is no support in regard to a positive, productive place for them within our societies and communities.
Mr. Speaker, this is not only happening in my riding, but in many other communities across the territories. These areas of concern are not just on the territorial scale, but nationally and internationally. We listen to the daily news reports on the brutal crimes committed by teenagers which are so hideous and heinous, on the television. We must stop and think, why are these young adults/children doing these things. There has to be a positive approach to targeting youth at this time.
I feel it requires immediate and serious attention to deal with this issue and to address it. The youth need to be involved in a more mainstream decision-making process at the community level so that they can be able to see the direct results of their input in a positive light. They need to feel important and respected just like an adult to lift their self-esteem and to improve the activities and programs that we deliver on their behalf by also having their input.
The future leaders who will take our place in this House and elsewhere in our communities are the youth. We must take the initiative now to allow the youth to take their role in society and hear them when they say they are bored, disinterested. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause