Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 15 youth ambassadors, representing seven NWT communities, travelled with us to Ottawa recently to promote the Northwest Territories at Winterlude as part of NWT Days.
They acted as guides and greeters at various events and as traditional games demonstrators. To say that the youth ambassadors did an outstanding job does not give them enough credit. They impressed both political participants and thousands of others who attended and watched their performances. They were also featured on local and national media for their efforts. Many people approached me to tell me how much they appreciated their work and to praise them for being true ambassadors for the North.
Mr. Speaker, each of these future leaders returned with a new sense of confidence after an experience that has helped them develop life and job skills to deal with future challenges. One parent said that the program is helping turn her daughter’s life around. She was an at-risk youth when she applied for the program. Now she has new confidence and respect.
Mr. Speaker, this mother’s reflections are not unique. The NWT Youth Ambassador Program is guided by the principle that a structured volunteer experience and participation in major events can
develop significant skills and build the confidence necessary for youth to deal with the complex challenges of modern society. We see and hear about its positive impact all the time.
Youth ambassadors receive consistent, high quality training and preparation for projects. They work with program managers to develop expectations and standards. This program is directly contributing to the GNWT’s goals of having healthy, educated people free from poverty, and the leaders that come out of this program will help build sustainable, vibrant, safe communities across our territory. This program is a long-term investment in our territory’s future that benefits all of our communities.
I am especially proud of the new alumni component to the program that has former youth ambassadors returning to act as mentors to their younger peers. This youth to youth interaction and guidance is often one of the most powerful motivators for participants to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Mr. Speaker, the Youth Ambassador Program was launched in 2007 as part of our pan-territorial commitment to support the Canada Games in Whitehorse that year. Since that time, our government has supported nearly 20 projects of various sizes. Hundreds of NWT youth have now had an experience that will have positive effects on the rest of their lives.
Many more youth will get to experience this program as it progresses. This summer the youth ambassadors will be taking part in the 2013 Canada Summer Games by volunteering for the Sherbrooke, Quebec, host society. This will be another great opportunity to highlight our northern youth and culture and I am very much looking forward to it.
Mr. Speaker, the department is constantly monitoring and evaluating this program. In future years MACA will be able to present reports on the longer term effects of this program as we continue to follow up with participants as they enter adulthood and become productive contributing members of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
