Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to recognize the initiative of the northern manufacturing sector. There is much talk of diamond, oil and gas exploration with capital intensive development and requirements for skilled, or at least a semi-skilled, workforce. In most economies, it is still the small businesses that provide the majority of jobs, Mr. Speaker.
Across the North, the arts and crafts cottage industry participates in the benefits of the tourism industry, and indeed we are making progress in the development of small northern manufacturers.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Northern Manufacturers Association which is promoting products manufactured in the North, made by Northerners, for our climate and conditions. The association also supports training through its involvement with the Skills Canada competition, which saw Northerners compete successfully in local and national competitions.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to acknowledge the success that Energy Wall and Building Products Limited has achieved through the certification of its Northwest Territories designed and manufactured wall panel system. They received this accreditation this week by the National Research Council's Canadian Construction Materials Centre. It is the first such certification for the North, and it means that the product can be used nationally in construction projects financed by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing mortgage insurance system.
There is also involvement, Mr. Speaker, by other northern companies, including Ferguson Simek Clark, who have been leaders in Canadian northern construction in the Soviet Union. I am also pleased to note the technical support of the Department of Public Works and Services and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The efforts of my colleague for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent, are also to be acknowledged in furthering this venture.
This is an excellent example, Mr. Speaker, of public and private sector cooperation. I urge the government to further develop this type of support for northern manufacturers.
I should add, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister responsible for Housing for Ontario has authorized the use of such approved building material systems and designs for all of Ontario. I believe there are further ways the government may assist local manufacturers, Mr. Speaker, and I intend to raise questions on this issue later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.