Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think we only need to look at the number of tradespeople that had to be imported to build the BHP diamond plant to recognize we could have used more tradespeople in the Northwest Territories. Looking at the future, we have projected fully one-third of all the new jobs we can expect to see in the territories in the next five years will require trades certification. This confirms the need for more development in order for our young people to find jobs. What is the department doing? Our sponsorship of Apprenticeship Week this year is one example of an activity we have undertaken to raise the profile of trades in the north. We are offering the Schools North Apprenticeship Program in which young people may start an apprenticeship while still in high school as part of the CTS modules. The Mine Training Committee has initiated a program called Mine TAP, which is an upgrading program to enable northerners who are not quite ready to enter into an apprenticeship to upgrade themselves

so they can enter into an apprenticeship. We have worked at improving, through our CTS modules, awareness among young people in the north of the opportunities that are provided through apprenticeship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot answer the question because I do not know whether or not the number of graduates in the last year has increased. I do know that in the Northwest Territories we have over 19.5 apprentices per 1,000 people in the active job field, which is higher than any other jurisdiction in Canada. Apprenticeship in the north is a very strong career route for a person to choose. I expect from that number, we have a fairly good graduation rate. Most of the graduates from the Apprenticeship Program do find jobs and stay in the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I missed part of the Member's question. Could I ask to have it repeated, please?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, any opportunity which increases the number of people who have access to the program will definitely lead to an increase in the number of successful graduates. While the Member was asking his question, I was able to find out that the increase in the number of graduates in the program is about 16 percent over the last year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We would support any effort to improve young people's education and opportunities for employment. I cannot answer specifically whether we fund the project or assist with the funding for the project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be for the Minister of Public Works and Services regarding the Yellowknife office space plan. Yesterday, the Minister confirmed the office space plan was initiated in January, 1997 and a rationale plan was agreed upon in July, 1997. In the Minister's statements filed in this House, he said that there were a variety of discussion papers. Could the Minister tell us if it would be correct, if the Department of Public Works and Services knew of the office space requirements and needs about a month or two before the rationalization plan was approved by the deputy ministers in July? Thank you.