Mr. Speaker, Canada's greatest resource is our youth. They are languishing with a high unemployment rate of almost 20 per cent.
Parents such as I who have children in this age category are very concerned about their future. The priority of the government is to put the enthusiasm of these young minds and bodies back to work.
New initiatives such as Youth Services Canada, the youth internship program and the expansion of summer employment programs are doing just that. Reforms to the Canada student loans program and other learning initiatives will better train young people for the jobs of the future.
In Essex county the conservation authority is sponsoring a youth service pilot project. Approximately 16 participants will work for nine months, gaining valuable experience and earning credit to further their education and employment opportunities.
Through these initiatives the government is giving our youth the necessary tools to build a prosperous future for themselves and our country.