Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Northern construction activities, managed by DPW, can provide significant employment and training opportunities. I am committed to implementing new initiatives to increase the employment and training of aboriginal Northerners in the construction industry. DPW and other departments are supporting a construction worker training program designed for our younger people in NWT communities. The training could be certified by both Arctic College and the NWT Construction Association and would offer aboriginal workers a full range of construction skills training. We hope to deliver the program in association with planned capital projects in smaller communities.

Many of us as MLAs have lobbied for greater job creation and training of residents on local construction projects. I was successful in having government construction projects in my riding managed in ways that maximized the employment and training of residents. The department will continue to develop this community-centred approach to its activities.

We must look at each community's construction and maintenance programs for several years and put into place the resources to train local residents for the upcoming jobs and to prepare local businesses to participate. This will require greater co-ordination with other departments such as Education, Arctic College, Economic Development and the Housing Corporation. Communities will also need to be fully involved so that local benefits can be maximized from DPW activities.

Some construction companies may be worried that they might lost contract work as a result of these new initiatives. I am confident that we can involve the industry in this endeavour and that they can benefit, as well. The construction industry employs over 2000 workers annually. This includes over 1200 full-time tradespersons and almost 300 active apprentices. Jobs in construction can be long-lasting employment opportunities for many Northerners in the smaller NWT communities.

Before closing, Mr. Speaker, I would invite the honourable Members to call upon me with concerns that they have about DPW activities in their riding. Thank you.