Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to congratulate you on your election as chair. I know people know you'll do a great job, as will I.
I'd like to thank Minister Thompson for the hard work he's done in supporting the veterans in his time as the Minister of Veterans Affairs. In particular, the veterans independence program and it's expansion I know was a very popular and well-appreciated program in my riding, and many people throughout the legions in my riding surely appreciate that.
I would like to point out that Minister Thompson is also a graduate of St. Thomas University. A cousin of mine was a scholarship athlete out there and played on the hockey team, so I see we have one thing in common.
The question I have for Minister Thompson is this. As a young person, I'm interested in what initiatives you are taking or the department is taking to engage youth in activities of remembrance.
I know in our riding I was really amazed at the cenotaph presentation on Remembrance Day, at the large numbers, and members of the Legion did comment on how there's been an upsurge in response and in support of Remembrance Day. I was just curious how the department and yourself are working to have youth included in this initiative.