Mr. Speaker, there is a literacy program for homeless young people in my riding of Rosedale which has been providing second chances to some of those who are left behind in our society. Beat the Street is a Frontier College program that is giving individuals the skills and self-confidence to get off the street and into school or the job market.
Beat the Street was founded in 1985 by two former street youths who recognized that literacy skills were absolutely essential to get young people off the street. By providing a supportive learning environment where students could find their own goals, the program's tutors are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of Canada's youth.
Beat the Street is now internationally recognized and is the model for two similar programs now operating in Winnipeg and Regina.
Workers and students from Beat the Street were in Ottawa recently to meet with the Prime Minister and individual MPs and Senators. I know all those who spent time with the students were very impressed with their ideas and thoughtfulness.
On behalf of all members of Parliament I salute Beat the Street for all its efforts. I call on the government to support it and all other youth literacy programs.