Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in the past, many northerners have had limited local access to high-skilled employment opportunities in the building construction occupations. To address this situation, the building and learning strategy was launched last year as a cooperative initiative by the NWT Housing Corporation, the Department of Public Works and Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. The strategy provides northerners with training and employment opportunities in the building construction industry in their home communities on projects managed by the Housing Corporation and Public Works and Services. I would like to bring Members of this Assembly up to date on the progress made on this initiative.
This fall, more than 95 northern residents are receiving training in a variety of occupations, from trades helpers to project managers. The strategy has been expanded from the original six communities of Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Aklavik, Fort Good Hope and Fort Simpson in 1993-94 to include Baker Lake, Igloolik, Snare Lake, Lac La Martre, Fort Providence and Coppermine in 1994-95. In each location, members of the community form a community training committee to identify long-term construction training goals and to plan, deliver and evaluate the training opportunities. Regional Housing Corporation and Public Works project staff provide technical expertise, while the regional staff of Education, Culture and Employment provide training advice and career counselling support to the communities.
Approximately 30 residents are receiving entry level training as trades helpers, while another 30 are continuing their training received on last year's projects in more specialized areas such as carpenter helpers, plumber helpers and painter helpers. Approximately 10 apprentices are receiving valuable construction experience in carpentry and plumbing. Some residents are receiving training on the job to become supervisors and project managers.
Specialized training opportunities in drywalling, asbestos removal, concrete preparation and energy efficient carpentry are also being offered. These programs will all lead to recognition of skills and experience through certification. In some communities, pre-apprenticeship upgrading will be offered through Arctic College following the construction season to provide access to further training opportunities in future years.
As part of the strategy, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is analysing the long-term construction training opportunities identified by communities and will be developing curriculum materials to support those needs.
Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I want to thank my honourable colleague, the Honourable Don Morin, for his support and advice in terms of ensuring the success of this particular program. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
---Applause