Youth On The Minds Of Justice Symposium Delegates
Friday, May 12, 2006 at 15:00
A village councillor in La Loche says he can’t believe the gap that’s growing between youth in his community and its elders.
Don Herman is one of the many people attending this week’s Northern Justice Symposium in Prince Albert.
He says too many youth are finding comfort in things like cocaine and alcohol.
The village has been trying to engage local teenagers in programs and recreational activities, but according to Herman, it hasn’t been easy.
He says youth still have a lot of free time, and no one can account for how they are occupying themselves.
Herman also notes the youth in the village outnumber the rest of the population combined, so something will need to change soon.
Meanwhile, the head of the group hosting this week’s symposium says he knows the new Conservative government has pledged to get tough on crime and put criminals away for longer.
New North chairman Dale McAuley says that’s fine to say, but real change will only come about when the problems behind crime are addressed.
He says poverty is the main one in the North, and that will only change through jobs.
However, McAuley adds volunteerism can be a good starting point for youth who have nothing better to do.