 With the help of our partners the representative for children and youth who with me is united in this In this desire and the adoptive families association and other partners We pledged to find forever homes for 600 children and youth over two years today, I am really proud and really happy to announce that we exceeded that goal 644 children and youth are no longer waiting forever for a forever home I know minister could do from almost the very first time I met her talked about how this was an important issue And she hoped that she could bring leadership to the ministry in a commitment to the ministry And I really want to recognize today that she has proven that and that this was no small task I know she's not taking credit for it But by providing that type of unwavering leadership in the ministry supporting staff partnering with organizations like the adoptive families choices and other Adoptions agencies and a number of community Organizations has allowed I think all of us to work together to come together and see how important this is Every youth deserves a loving home that will cherish them for who they are and guide them to be the great individuals They can be I'd like to thank the minister for all the work She's doing for her passion and commitment to moving this initiative forward all my relations We couldn't have all 644 of those children in the room with us today But they're here in spirit Each balloon represents a child in British Columbia who now has a home thanks to the tireless efforts of Staff and the MC in MCFD and our partner agencies and thanks to the parents who opened up their homes and hearts