Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during my latest regional tour, I had the opportunity to speak to a number of students and teachers. I gave them the opportunity to do a Member's statement to present their ideas and concerns. Today, my statement is coming from the Bompas grade four class. Mr. Speaker, the class spoke about the positive things about the village: the quality of the water, and how it is the best in the world. People are really friendly, and they feel safe, and can walk around town without getting lost. They find the land to be very beautiful and clean. They really like the active after school program funded through Municipal and Community Affairs.
They spoke about what needed to be done to make their life better in Fort Simpson. Surprisingly, better housing. There is a huge demand for more housing units. Too many homes have multi-generations living under one roof. More things such as a movie theatre, bowling alley, arcade, restaurants, another grocery store, and more recreation facilities are on the list. Better quality of produce being sold. The students also stressed things that they liked about their school. They spoke about their teachers, how they are very friendly and caring. The willingness of teachers to take them out of the classroom for nature walks and visit various places in the community. They like the fact that culture and language is a very important part of the school activities.
The students also provided suggestions about what needed to be done to make the school a better place to be. They would like to see a full-time gym teacher, full-time French teacher, an art room, and more Dene Zhati opportunities.
They felt that the library needs to have more books in it. They would like to see a wood shop in the school, or allow them access to the one at TSS. They would like to see the school develop a track and field facility, plus a number of other recreational facilities. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the students for sharing, and allowing me to be their voice today, just like I wrote my own Member's statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.