Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this Assembly that the Northern Employment Strategy has made a significant contribution to the creation of jobs for northerners and to the development of the Northwest Territories economy.

This two-year program was established in 1997/98. It was designed to support northern businesses and communities in employing summer students, youth, social assistance recipients and unemployed northerners. The NES also assists communities and regions to lead their own economic development initiatives and provides support to the private sector, which is the primary vehicle for economic development.

The $8.5 million provided to Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development in 1998/99 was used to increase the budgets of four existing programs to $15.3 million. These programs are the Business Development Fund (BDF), the Grants to Small Business Program, the Community Initiatives Program and the Community Futures Program. For the first quarter of 1998-1999, program funding, along with client equity and other sources of financing, totalled $9 million.

Of the four programs just mentioned, the BDF is the principle source of job creation. As a result of the NES enhancement, BDF contributions during the first quarter of 1998/1999 totalled $1,364,000, resulting in 57 full-time and 157 part-time jobs. During the same quarter, $397,000 from the Grants to Small Business Program created 18 full-time and 85 part-time jobs in our NWT communities.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a few moments to acknowledge two key groups:

-First and foremost, all individuals in the private sector that have partnered with us to create jobs for northerners.

-Secondly, all employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories who have provided assistance and support with the NES and job creation in the north.

Mahsi Cho.