Colleagues, today I rise to recognize the remarkable achievement of the Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council, who were named one of recipients of the Arctic Inspiration Prize winners for 2024-2025.
This dedicated group of young leaders was awarded $100,000 on May 13th in recognition of their inspiring work to promote renewable energy and green alternatives in the Dehcho region. The council, formed just two Octobers ago, has already demonstrated what is possible when youth come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future.
As council member Angus James Capot-Blanc Jr. said, we were shocked when we found out we won. We just started this council in October, 2024. Now the real work starts.
The council meets regularly to design programs that will introduce renewable energy education in Dehcho schools. By working with district education authorities, their goal is to connect young people with practical knowledge about clean energy, empowering them to build rewarding, local careers in the green economy. They are determined to ensure northern students see renewable energy not as a southern concept, but as an opportunity grounded in the realities of life in our northern communities.
Their ultimate vision is to build local capacity to install, operate, and maintain renewable technologies, particularly solar power, reducing reliance on diesel and lowering greenhouse gas emissions across the Dehcho.
Colleagues, initiatives like this remind us that meaningful change often begins with a single, determined idea. The Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council is not only imagining a cleaner more affordable energy future but taking real steps towards building it.
I have the pleasure of knowing two of the team leaders, Ms. Thomas-Ekinia from Fort Simpson and Mr. Capot-Blanc Jr. from Fort Liard. I have to say they have been very active attending numerous meetings both regionally and nationally. I am very proud of their drive and commitment to this organization.
I ask you to join me in congratulating these inspiring young Northerners on their well-deserved recognition.
Members' Statements. Returns to Oral Questions. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.