Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, all around the world we are seeing young people rise up and take political action on the issues that matter to them. We are seeing teens speak out against gun violence in the United States, and students protesting for action on climate change in Europe.

We spend a lot of time talking about our youth, but it is just as important to listen to our youth. As adults, this can be a humbling experience. We have a responsibility to listen to all of our constituents, not just the ones old enough to vote.

I'm pleased to report that, at the Deh Gah School in Fort Providence, the senior class got political and they got results.

While completing a course in political studies, the students started talking about what they thought Fort Providence needed to thrive. They were troubled by the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in their community, not just in their demographic, but in people of all ages, and by limited extra-curricular options for teens. One student told CBC: "A lot of the time what I end up seeing late at night is kids walking around in a park when it's like below 30 to get away from their home life."

The students decided that a local youth centre could change this. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, working for political change can be difficult, slow, and frustrating. Sometimes it is hard not to let all the "can'ts" overwhelm your momentum. Government timelines seem to stretch on and on, especially to young people.

The Deh Gah students persevered. With the help of teacher Nimisha Bastedo and local recreation coordinator Jason Collard, and sustainability planners Northern Loco, they put in the time. They studied the North's political history and arranged meetings with local leaders, including myself. They got involved in December's municipal elections, holding a candidates' forum on youth issues and making two presentations to the hamlet council.

Thanks to their hard work, the students achieved a funding commitment from the hamlet council of $40,000 in capital funding to convert the lounge of the curling club into a youth centre. Other partners chipped in. The Bridge Corporation invested $10,000, and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has funded staffing through the end of this fiscal year. Operations are planned to launch in mid-March. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted