Mr. Speaker, I want to share with you today the details of an exciting new program designed to reintegrate older workers back into the workforce. The Older Worker Pilot Project is a joint effort of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, divisional boards of education and district education authorities in the NWT and Human Resources Development Canada.
Mr. Speaker, the Older Worker Pilot Project was developed to help Canada address the issue of unemployment among workers between the ages of 55 and 64, by creating innovative ways for older workers to acquire new skills, while at the same time making a meaningful contribution to society through participation in the labour force.
In the Northwest Territories, the Older Worker Pilot Project will employ 19 workers between the ages of 55 and 64 in schools in the Deh Cho, Beaufort Delta and South Slave regions, as well as in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, these workers are elders with unique life experience and special language and cultural skills from which young people will benefit. Through interaction with elders employed in the schools, as elders in residence, special needs assistants, literacy mentors and program support assistant trainees, students will acquire knowledge of their traditional values and language. Self-esteem and self-worth in both groups will be enhanced.
Most of the workers hired under the Older Worker Pilot Project will learn on the job under the supervision of the school principal. Together they will decide on specific projects that will allow workers to use their skills effectively, while at the same time providing the greatest benefit to the school.
Mr. Speaker, this unique program will go a long way in addressing the issue of unemployment among older people in NWT communities. These people are untapped sources of knowledge and insight and this program is an opportunity to untap these resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.