As September comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome all the students in Thunder Bay—Rainy River back to school. Whether it’s your first day of high school or your last year studying at Lakehead University or Confederation College, I hope this is a year of learning, fun and wonderful memories for you all.
I am always immensely impressed by the youth in Thunder Bay—Rainy River, particularly when it comes to being engaged in our community. I have had the opportunity to hear from young people in our riding through a variety of events, such as Pizza and Politics at the college, our Canada 150 Literacy Challenge in the elementary schools, the Thunder Bay—Rainy River Youth Council, and the numerous school visits I have made. One thing is for certain; our youth are bright, determined, aware, and ready to make a difference.
Our government recognizes the important role youth play in the future of our country and that is why we are making one of Canada’s greatest strengths – our skilled, diverse, hard-working young people – the heart of a more innovative new economy. We listened to students, to post-secondary institutions, and to businesses, who all told us that graduates need more opportunity and support to ensure they are coming out of school with the real-life experiences they need to succeed in their careers. By building stronger partnerships between business and universities, colleges and polytechnics, we’re setting young Canadians up for success.
Our commitment to youth is also evident here in our riding with the recent federal investments in Lakehead University’s new state-of-the-art research complex to be known as the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences, the Seven Generations Education Institute in Fort Frances, and the Confederation College TEC Hub, which is a new state‐of‐the‐art training facility that will offer students an innovative workshop and laboratory space, and help grow the diverse and skilled work force in our region. These investments demonstrate our government’s commitment to making Canada, and Northern Ontario, a leader in science, technology and innovation. I look forward to seeing the progression across all industries in the region and the increased opportunities for young Canadians.
In October, the second Thunder Bay—Rainy River Constituency Youth Council will hold its first meeting. This council is an incredible opportunity for both myself as well as the youth, as it provides a new perspective for all involved. I am very much looking forward to the youth council starting up again, and to kicking off a new year of school visits. I’m always grateful to have the chance to speak with Thunder Bay—Rainy River’s youth, and I hope I will meet even more of you soon. Best of luck to all the students across the riding.
