Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, recent layoffs in the mining industry have affected a number of northerners in the North Slave and Kitikmeot.

In response to continued low gold prices and high operating costs, Miramar Mining reduced production from the Con Mine to 600 tonnes per day. This resulted in the elimination of approximately 130 staff and hourly positions. In addition, Echo Bay Mines at the Lupin site has shut down operations, affecting approximately 45 northern employees.

Mr. Speaker, an interdepartmental working committee was formed to coordinate programs and services available to the affected staff at Miramar Con Mine. In addition to the Government of the Northwest Territories, the committee has representation from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), the City of Yellowknife and the Union representing workers at the mine. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is continuing to work closely with HRDC to provide a range of services including counselling workshops, and assistance with resume writing, job search and filling out employment insurance applications. The North Slave Career Centre has offered space and equipment for meetings and workshops.

Mr. Speaker, a number of activities have taken place. On December 31st, HRDC conducted two group employment insurance sessions for laid-off employees and over 60 skills profiles have been completed. On January 6th, ECE and HRDC also met with BHP to discuss employment opportunities for laid-off Miramar Con employees. BHP plan to hire new staff in April and June, including mill operators, supervisors, electricians as well as other, semi-skilled workers.

On January 9th, an interagency committee consisting of GNWT and municipal government met with Echo Bay Mines to discuss a strategy for dealing with affected employees in both Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk. Skills profiles, resumes and labour market data are being compiled to assist workers in finding re-employment. Career counselling is being provided at the career centre in Cambridge Bay and the employment offices in Kugluktuk. Human Resources Development Canada has also assisted workers in applying for employment insurance.

Mr. Speaker, the Mine Training Committee met on January 19th to discuss any further assistance that the committee could provide to affected employees from both the Miramar Con and Lupin Mine sites. The secretary to the committee has met with over 20 Miramar Con staff and provided names and contact numbers for both northern and southern mining operations. Affected employees have also been made aware of open competitions for safety officers and mine training officers with the Workers' Compensation Board.

We would especially like to recognize the support of Human Resources Development Canada throughout this process. By taking a cooperative approach, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment jointly with all our partners, has been able to maximize the services available to workers and their families. We are continuing to work with our partners in the federal and municipal government and in industry to provide any and all assistance possible to the affected workers from both mine sites. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.