Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mining industry provides about 1,700 jobs in the Northwest Territories, with a potential for growth of 1,100 jobs in the next ten years. Another 1,800 construction jobs, 800 jobs in mine support businesses, and more than 100 jobs in small businesses may also occur as a result of mining activities.

If we were to make the best of mining development, we must ensure northerners are prepared to take advantage of these job opportunities. It is essential that all stakeholders work together to address education and training needs. An important step toward this goal was taken earlier this month when the mine training symposium was held at Aurora College's Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. The one day symposium brought together 110 people representing industry, government, community and aboriginal organizations, as well as, education and training institutions.

They discussed the training needed to prepare people for employment in areas such as the industrial trades, mining operations, and processing operations. As a result of the symposium, stakeholders are committed to ongoing consultation and joint decision-making on training initiatives. These partners will work together to identify training opportunities and priorities. The next steps will be to develop and implement a long-term investment strategy to make the most of the money available for training. There are already many positive initiatives under way to improve cooperation and develop new opportunities for mining training.

Aurora College has already expanded it's programs, particularly in the area of basic skills training and pre-employment training. I have established a committee on the mining sector with representatives from mining companies, mining services companies, and communities to improve the development and delivery of mining training.

BHP was instrumental in setting up the community mobilization partnership and job development strategy. This organization's mandate is to ensure that business and mining representatives work with communities that will be affected by mining activities.

The steps taken as a result of the mine training symposium will continue to build on these initiatives, by continuing to improve communication and cooperation among all stakeholders who will be able to make the most of training and employment opportunities in the mining industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.