Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I want to comment on the honourable Finance Minister's Kodiak boots and the yellow rose of Texas for last Thursday's budget speech. If we are going to make the North another Texas, then we need to think big, Mr. Speaker.

The budget address does mention job opportunities for future nurses and social workers, but what it does not specifically mention is training for the oil and gas industry. Yet the government is examining how it can supply natural gas in certain communities by hooking to the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline. What we need is training to give youth immediate jobs in this industry, Mr. Speaker, and we need to be prepared.

Too much of our training for the oil and gas industry is after the fact. It is like letting the cat out of the bag and then closing the bag. First Nations students from northeastern B.C. are getting a lot of help in this regard, and perhaps our government can learn from their example. The B.C. government contributes $1.2 million to a program that helps First Nations develop economies, social structures and youth skills.

Mr. Speaker, their government has 15 major oil and gas companies funding partners. That is where we fall flat. Their training includes classroom and hands-on instruction. Courses are taught in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. Industry partners provide the students with safety equipment needed for training, and there are jobs. This is an example of how industry and government can work together to develop its human resources.

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien said in the Throne Speech a few weeks ago that economic growth and job creation is the most effective way to reduce poverty. Well, here is an opportunity, Mr. Speaker. Maybe our government could follow the B.C. Government's lead. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause