Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank Ms. Scott, Mr. Kakfwi, Mr. Saganash and Ms. Webstad. You can hear it in my voice. I think I'm nervous too. This is quite emotional for me. I'm joining you here in my riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral people. I'm honoured to be here today.
I'm newly elected—only a year. I was doing my best to reach out to students in different schools, from high schools down to the grade schools. When the pandemic hit, we had to stop visiting. It was one of the most treasured things I did. Not that long ago, in the fall, a school reached out to me. It was absolutely amazing. Forest Glen Public School in Wilmot reached out to me. The students of Ms. Teske, Mr. Rumble and Ms. Kleinschuck reached out to me and asked if I was, as an elected official, aware of Orange Shirt Day. Did I know about this? They asked how they could make a difference.
I was honoured. I joined them for a virtual meeting with three grade 7s. I thanked them for taking the initiative to reach out to their elected official. I said that I will see what I can do. Never in my wildest dreams would I realize that I would be talking to Ms. Webstad herself.
If I may ask you, Ms. Webstad, what message can I bring back to those students who took the time to reach out? Hopefully there are many others across the country, especially if education can help us bring awareness. We can start with those younger generations. They are naturally inclined to want to reach out and help.
What message can you give to those young students who took the time and had the know-how to reach out to their elected officials about how they can make a difference?