Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Lewis, on December 8, regarding promoting prospecting as a career.
Through funding available from various sources, including the economic development agreement with the federal government, Arctic College provides a 30-day prospector training course which addresses claim staking, soil sampling and operating geotechnical equipment. This course has been offered four times in the Keewatin, since 1989. A total of 12 students took the most recent course, offered in Baker Lake. Also, six students took the program in Deline and, currently, six students are taking the program in Rae Edzo.
In addition, the college offers an evening prospecting course for amateurs. A total of 21 students have taken the program in Yellowknife.
The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources also provides support to prospecting. Through EDA funding the department provides a grub stake program. Individuals who have experience in prospecting or mining, or who have taken the prospecting course can apply for assistance through this program. In 1992-93, there was $48,000 available and eight prospectors received financial assistance. In 1993-94, the fund was increased to $88,500 and 16 prospectors received assistance.