Every June, I have the pleasure of attending high school graduations in my riding, including the convocation ceremonies hosted by Collège Jean Sauvé, Collège St. Norbert Collegiate, Southeast Collegiate, and Fort Richmond Collegiate. I also have the opportunity to offer an annual bursary to students from these high schools. The MP Terry Duguid Youth Leadership Award is presented to students who have made a significant impact in Winnipeg South through their leadership and involvement in the community.

These students have participated on student councils, mentored their peers, spent time volunteering or fundraising for causes, and raised awareness of important issues that affect our community. I look forward to congratulating the recipients of the MP Terry Duguid Youth Leadership Award when they are named later this month, and would also like to congratulate the hundreds of high school students across Winnipeg who will begin a new, exciting chapter of their lives.

Young Canadians are the leaders of today and tomorrow. At this time of global challenges and uncertainty, we need their courage and vision to build stronger and more inclusive communities at home and around the world. We also need their continued passion and hard work to fight for a healthy environment and address climate change, the greatest collective challenge of our generation. Advocacy from our youth is inspiring, and I encourage our high school graduates to continue to engage on issues that affect us all.

Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2018-2019 in Winnipeg South and across our city. As you prepare to enter the workforce or pursue further studies, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and hope that you will build stronger and healthier communities, not just in Canada, but around the world.