Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. The Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board met in Yellowknife last week. The board members are from across the Northwest Territories. They represent both employees and employers. They are all excellent advocates for education and training programs to support northerners in their work.

It is important that we recognize the role of trades people across the north. We need only to look around this Chamber at the woodwork, the glazing and the upholstery to understand the skill and value of the work done by trades persons. Our communities rely on the skills of, for example, carpenters, plumbers, line persons, heavy equipment operators and mechanics. Many of the businesses that supply our needs and employ our sons and daughters are owned and operated by northern trades people. We should reflect on the importance of trades and celebrate their significance.

The recent discussions by the members of the board echo many of the concerns I have heard from Members of this House. First, we must continue to improve our education system so that interested young women and men can access and participate in trades. Second, we need to better inform the public about the importance of trades in our communities. Third, we must continue to work with industry to ensure that our programs meet the changing needs in the workplace. Over the past few years, in close consultation with the board, we have made important strides in supporting increased participation in trades and certified occupations. The establishment of the Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP), the increasing offerings of the Women in Trades and Technologies (WITT), expansion of career Counselling Services, and post-secondary diamond industry skills training all open up good opportunities for northerners.

I would like to publicly thank the members of the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board for their work and dedication. It is through a strong partnership between employers, labour communities and the government that we can most effectively establish the programs and services needed to support northern trades. Merci.

--Applause