Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as MLAs, one of the platforms that we use to raise support for causes is here in the Chamber. Younger generations, meanwhile, are often very effective on platforms like TikTok and YouTube to get their voices out to those who will listen. One of my young constituents is one of those youths using social media platforms very effectively, and I want her to know that people are listening.

She had recently posted to Facebook a video sharing the reality of what too many young people are still facing every day at school. The video showed, for example, what it feels like to be someone who doesn't look athletic, as in relatively thin in stature, let's say, and so may be the last person chosen to participate on a team and yet also faces negative judgmental comments along the way. It showed an example of the kinds of stereotyping that happens based on a person's experience and appearance.

For another example, that a female who might not dress in what is a traditionally feminine manner can be judged for not being female enough. But if she dresses in a manner that magazine or pop culture tells us is feminine, they too can then be labelled for a variety of derogatory comments and ways. As if one's choice of clothing implies some kind of commitment about our values, our morals, our aspirations, or our desires.

Madam Speaker, what my young constituent had to say about that, I quote, "it sucks." I remember to this day comments made about my clothing that had, by necessity, to be inexpensive. I remember to this day comments about my body shape because it didn't portray the athleticism that was underneath it. I don't carry any hurt from that any longer, but I do carry an awareness of the importance of kindness and the need for courage to ask why we say such things to one another in the first place.

Madam Speaker, I see so much strength in young people today, particularly women and gender-diverse people. I see people wearing clothing that is about style and not necessarily conforming to rigid or narrow norms of beauty. And I see people enjoying activities because of the joy that they bring and not only because it is something they are supposed to do, or worse, not to. Clearly, we are not yet where we should be in terms of being the truly inclusive, respectful, or equitable society. But I'm very proud for my young constituent for getting this message out. I would not have had the courage to call out this kind of negativity when I was her age. But I do have the opportunity now to support and raise her voice from where I stand today. With youth like her and her friends out there, I can see and do believe we are on a good path to accelerate social change. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Range Lake.

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. This week I've delivered Member statements on the theme of Remembrance Day. As Remembrance Day approaches, I want to take some time to honour those who aren't always talked about when it comes to the sacrifices made by the men and women who represent our nation and help defend democracy so people around the world can live free of oppression.

Madam Speaker, when someone is asked to defend our nation, they leave behind family, friends, children, parents, and loved ones. These people continue to go to work, take care of their home and children, they live their lives while wondering if their loved one will ever come home again. The wounds of war stretch far beyond the battle fields where men and women have fought valiantly in the name of their country. The lives of many have been impacted by war. It's important we remember and honour those who continue to live with the tragic impacts of combat and peacekeeping missions that Canada has been involved with during its existence. Many of us will hopefully never have to experience the dread of hugging a loved one as they get shipped off to war. Many of us will never have to experience that knock on the door when they find out their loved one won't be coming home. Many of us will never have to fill that hole left by a husband, wife, partner, child, or friend, who gave their life in the name of freedom.

To all those who have experienced the challenges of having someone close to you serve their country, we see you. We appreciate all that you have sacrificed. As a nation, we are here for you. Madam Speaker, on behalf of all my family who are watching, I want to say that we love you, Mom. Tally ho, Dad. Madam Speaker, Lest we Forget.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Madam Speaker, I'd like to recognize a constituent of Thebacha, Ms. Sheila Sharp, who has come to Yellowknife today to accept an award that she will be receiving tonight. I will share more about that during acknowledgements. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I'd like to welcome CEO of Arctic Research Foundation, Mr. Adrian Schimnowski, in the House. And then we have my CA Vince Teddy. Thank you, and welcome to the House.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd just like to recognize two of our Yellowknife North pages who are here this week - Willem Kanigan and Cole Avery. Thank you, guys.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you. I'd like to welcome -- if we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the chamber and I hope you're enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to have an audience.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Member for Thebacha.