You are talking about something that's very close to my heart. We have a youth centre here, in Bathurst. Two years ago, I participated in the activities of the Girls Action Foundation and other similar organizations. Status of women has improved owing to three elements.
First, entities such as the Bathurst Youth Centre develop projects. Those centres are bilingual. They can provide training and organize activities for young people in order to develop their self-esteem and create a positive attitude with regard to young women's participation.
Second, we must develop the skills of the adults involved with those young women—be they teachers or women working in the community—so that they can also inflame that passion in young women.
Third, there is a movement in Bathurst called “Synergies” for young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Its goal is to work with those groups on facilitating the training of the young women involved.
I was disappointed because I thought some of the young women from “Synergies” would run in the election. Unfortunately, none of them did, but it was not for lack of trying. As there is not enough funding, there is no one to kindle, fuel and maintain the passion in young women.