Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to congratulate Nanaimo's Tillicum Le'lum Aboriginal Friendship Centre on its new indigenous response to sexual abuse program. Building on existing programs, this one of a kind initiative will support sexual health and self-esteem workshops, intervention for men at risk of offending and activities to celebrate aboriginal youth. The use of traditional teachings to foster healthy families is a hallmark of the centre.
It is a busy month for Tillicum Le'lum, where plans are under way to build a new facility for the Friendship Le'lum, the youth safe house program. More beds means more youth off the streets. All it needs now is the funding from the Conservative government.
I commend Tillicum Le'lum for the valued work it does for our community. Congratulations to all the staff and the volunteers.