Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to once again talk about the youth in Lutselk'e. The youth know what they want and what they need. Without proper facilities, the community is challenged to deliver much needed programming for them. Lutselk'e needs a youth centre.
I know this government is doing something in this area and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has the Youth Centres Initiative program where communities can apply for up to $25,000 to support the operation of a youth centre. This is all fine if you have a youth centre. This year Lutselk'e received $17,241 under this program. Unfortunately, this is nowhere near enough to deliver a comprehensive youth program. We need to do more. The youth of Lutselk'e are faced with a number of social challenges and are in desperate need of a youth centre.
With yet another recent youth suicide in the community, I consider this a very serious matter and we can no longer sit back and keep up with giving the community the minimum when much, much more is needed. The youth are currently using an old government house as a youth centre. This location is okay for our youth work and to develop programs, however, the home itself is far from ideal for a youth centre.
I realize the construction of a youth centre falls within the responsibility of the community as per the New Deal. However, a community the size of Lutselk'e does not get enough capital through the formula. I feel this government must add some more money into the capital requirements of Lutselk'e in order for the community to build a youth centre.
I strongly believe that as a minimum each community should have a place for the youth in the community to get together, a place to access positive programming. Each community should have a youth centre. A well-run youth centre can have many positive benefits for the youth, the community and the whole NWT.
Lately I've been talking about the need for this government to get creative in finding solutions. This is another situation that needs such a creative solution, an immediate solution.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.