Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues have noted, tomorrow is Canada Day, an important day in the life of our country. A day to celebrate the birthday of our country, and also a day to celebrate citizenship.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, a special part of tomorrow's celebration here in Yellowknife, will be the ceremony that confers Canadian citizenship on a number of people. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to salute a young woman, from my constituency, who demonstrates the finest qualities of citizenship through volunteering.

Melissa Fletcher has been living in Yellowknife for 12 years, and has just completed her second year of study at the University of Lethbridge. Melissa, who joins us today in the gallery, was recently selected as one of three youth in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to participate in the Canada World Youth International Exchange Program.

Melissa's exchange will begin in August, when she joins ten other young people from Canada and Sri Lanka, in Fernie, B.C. For three and a half months they will live with local families and be involved as volunteers in community based programs in Fernie. Then, Mr. Speaker, the ten youth will travel to Sri Lanka, for a similar three and a half month period to continue their volunteer work.

Mr. Speaker, exchange programs like these allow our youth to increase their awareness of local and global issues, strengthen their sense of responsibility and to become future leaders in our community.

I have met with Melissa and I know that she will be a wonderful ambassador for Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories, and for Canada. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Melissa and wish her all the best in her exchange. Thank you.

-- Applause