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Mr. Speaker, today we are acknowledging Pink Shirt Day, a day to reflect on how we treat one another.

Two brave teenagers in Nova Scotia sparked Pink Shirt Day 15 years ago, after a male student in their school was harassed for wearing a pink shirt. The next morning, David Shepherd and Travis Price handed out pink shirts to all the male students. Now, Pink Shirt Day is a call-to-action for schools, communities and workplaces to wear pink in solidarity against bullying.

Pink Shirt Day will be held nationally next week on February 22, 2023. The campaign reminds us to Lift Each Other Up, not just on Pink Shirt Day, or the month of February, but every day. It encourages us to be kind, and inclusive, and not tolerate bullying.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that our schools and communities are safe spaces for our young residents. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment and our education partners follow the principles of Inclusive Schooling. That directive ensures that our schools, educators and programming meet the diverse needs of our students, in a way that is responsive, accepting, respectful and supportive.

ECE is also working with the Department of Health and Social Services to evaluate the Child and Youth Counselling program. Child and Youth Counsellors are in Northwest Territories schools and communities to provide direct mental health and wellness services to children, youth and their families. This evaluation will help us improve those supports and ensure they are accessible, effective and meeting the needs of our youth.

Mr. Speaker, Pink Shirt Day is also a reminder to applaud what makes us unique. It is especially important here in the North, where we share so many different cultures, traditions and languages that we embrace our identities and accept our neighbours for who they are.

I recently heard a great example of this at a school in the Beaufort Delta. The school was holding a presentation on Ending Anti-Black Racism and the students learned that we should celebrate our differences.

A Junior Kindergarten student asked two teachers in the room to compare skin tones with her, to see how they were all different. Then she wanted to celebrate their differences with a hug. I am told it was a powerful indicator that this very young student understood the message of the presentation.

I also understand that our Regional Inclusive Schooling Coordinators have other stories about students in the NWT showing bravery, standing up for one another, and supporting their peers.

Let these students’ actions be a lesson to all of us. Speak up when you see something that is wrong. Help out a friend, colleague or stranger in need. Choose kindness, acceptance and compassion; and continue to lift each other up.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.