The following was issued today by Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to acknowledge the province�s Youth Advisory Committee and congratulate them on the completion of their Annual Report, "Right Here Right Now". The Premier and I had a very informative meeting yesterday with several committee members as they walked us through some of the key aspects of the report.

The Youth Advisory Committee was established to give youth a direct voice to government. Since its inception in 2001 this committee have provided government with valuable feedback and advice on how programs and policies can best meet the needs of the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to commend all members of the committee for their ongoing insight, expertise and sense of community responsibility.

As outlined in their annual report, this has been another busy and exciting year for the committee. They held regional meetings in Gander, St. John�s and Gros Morne and visited with local groups across the province to discuss topics of mutual interest.

The Youth Advisory Committee�s Annual Report includes a number of recommendations in program and policy development. These recommendations include such areas as alternate education, supportive services, healthy lifestyles, youth employment and affordable post-secondary education.

I would like to thank the committee for their recommendations. My department and my colleagues in government are currently reviewing these in an effort to ensure our policies and programs meet the needs of our young population.

We hold our many partnerships with community groups and organizations in high regard. They ensure we, as a government, continue to offer and develop programs and supports that reflect the priorities of the people we serve. I look forward to our continued partnership with the Youth Advisory Committee in addressing the needs, concerns and challenges of our young population.

I invite all members of the House, to take some time to review the Youth Advisory Committee�s Annual Report. It provides an opportunity to learn first-hand the priorities of our young population. However, most of all it is a great example of a productive and valuable collaboration between government and our youth.

2005 03 23                     2:10 p.m.