Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Canada's greatest natural resource, our youth.
What we do in parliament has a lasting effect on the children and youth of today for they are the leaders of tomorrow. Let us not forget this as we deliberate on the matters before us throughout the remainder of this parliament.
As the member for Nanaimo—Cowichan, I would like to take this opportunity to make an announcement. With us today is Miss Chanel Rodrigues from Nanaimo, British Columbia. Chanel is only 10 years old but unlike many of her peers, she has an appetite for politics.
Although it will be another eight years before she will be eligible to vote in a federal election, she has taken an interest in the political process now. Chanel has travelled to Ottawa with her mother in order to take part in the great and historic united alternative conference this weekend.
I commend her and would encourage other like-minded youth to become involved in the political process. When we are accountable to voters today, we must remember that we are also accountable to the voters of tomorrow, young people like Chanel Rodrigues.
On behalf of all members I would like to welcome Chanel to Ottawa and encourage all of Canada's youth to become involved in the political process. Welcome, Chanel.