Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at Deh Gah School in Fort Providence, high school students aren't only taking on the regular challenges of back to school, they're also thinking about their futures and the future of their community, and they're asking the tough questions that we need to answer to help the community thrive in the years to come.

Through their principal Shanna Hagen, the students brought me their concerns about meaningful employment opportunities in Fort Providence. As young people preparing to enter the workforce full-time, either after graduation or following post-secondary education, they're interested in job creation. They want to know what actions the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to work with the regions and communities to create new jobs, not simply subsidize existing programs or positions.

Mr. Speaker, myself and several of my colleagues are interested in this very same thing. Earlier this year, during budget deliberations, Regular Members and Ministers debated the Small Community Employment Support program. This side of the House wanted to see the program expanded beyond subsidy into job creation.

With the support of Cabinet in the final 2017-2018 budget, I think we're on our way to the program enhancements we need to get the results that will make positive changes in our communities.

The students of Deh Gah School have also offered their suggestions, identifying areas in the community where new jobs would create spinoff employment and health benefits for all residents. For instance, the students have suggested providing locally available training for the fire department, creating jobs to deliver improvements and regular maintenance to community recreational assets like the baseball field and the arena, and undertaking new initiatives like a skateboard park for children and youth.

Employment in our small communities continues to be a difficult challenge, and to date the Small Community Employment Support program hasn't made a significant dent. With the changes agreed upon by all the Members of the 18th Legislative Assembly, I'm hopeful that we can demonstrate to the students of Deh Gah School and to the youth and young families across the NWT that the GNWT is there for them, ready to deliver meaningful support. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.