Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for developing the Youth Ambassador Program and giving Northern youth an amazing opportunity to volunteer and experiences events across Canada and even internationally.
I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand what they experience at these events.
I would like to thank the staff who spent the past year getting our youth ready for the 2019 Canadian Winter Games experience in Red Deer.
Mr. Speaker, I could spend hours talking about this great program, but I think it best to use words from our youth from Sambaa K'e, Fort Liard, and Fort Simpson.
"The trip to Red Deer was very tiring, but very worth it! It's so nice here. I went to a two-hour shift and traded some pins, and I've learned how to use the transit system. I've met a few people from different provinces, and I'm really looking forward to next week!" Aaron.
"I am excited and proud to be part of the NWT Youth Ambassadors Program again and to be in Red Deer, Alberta, volunteering at the Canada Winter Games. The journey here was quite tiring, but it was really worth it. So far, my shifts have been at the Red Deer Curling Centre, and I have met lots of people from all over Canada! I advise the youth in the NWT to sign up for this program next time because they're missing out on an awesome experience if they don't!" AJ.
"I am excited to be a part of the NWT Youth Ambassador Program for the Canada Winter Games. The trip was exhausting but was worth it! Today, I started my shift at 7:00 a.m. for volunteer services. The job is excellent. There is a lot of friendly people that I greet, and I check them in and out. Given this opportunity to gain new experiences and seeing people all around is amazing. Pin trading is slowly starting to take over me, but I hope everyone here has an amazing time as I am." Angel-Rose.
"It's been really interesting working and taking in the entertainment while being in a place I haven't been before. Two days ago, I was able to go to a Brett Kissel concert. It was a lot of fun! I had a blast, and that will probably be my best night in Red Deer!" Zaida.
In closing, I would like to thank all of the youth for their hard work and the department for their commitment to our youth, and I wish them all the best. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.