Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in this House this week, we have heard a significant amount of debate and discussion on human resource issues. The need for the government to make a commitment to train Northerners, of the shortcoming to affirmative action, of the fact that the government has demands in industry that they themselves do not appear willing or able to meet, of the fact that we have lapsed hundreds of thousands of dollars with apprenticeship training.

Mr. Speaker, the issue I would like to speak briefly about today is the fact that we own NTPC. We have a corporation with hundreds of employees, and I would like to ask the Minister, or I will ask him later today in question period, whether he will commit that NTPC will come forward with a plan for apprenticeships similar to what BHP Incorporated and Diavik did; BHP Incorporated with a commitment, I believe, up to 13 apprentices, and Diavik, where the commitment is up to 18.

Mr. Speaker, there are a significant number of skill sets where I believe this is possible. There are alignment opportunities, there are power engineers, power plant operators, there are mechanics, just to name some.

I believe that there is a potential for the Crown corporation that the people of the Northwest Territories owns, to demonstrate a commitment to hiring and training Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is critical that we look at this. It is an opportunity, especially given the fact that the Department of Education which Minister Ootes is also responsible for lapsed $400,000 with apprenticeships, that we are looking for careers for our people in the Northwest Territories, for our students. So I hope, and I will ask this question so the Minister will have some time to think about this and be able to stand up and commit to coming forward with a plan that would clearly outline, how they intend to address this unfortunate gap and demonstrate the commitment of government that we demand of industry. Thank you.