Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to provide an update to Members on the establishment of the NWT youth corps program.
The youth corps program is designed to assist in the development and delivery of specialized projects to support NWT youth as they develop their skills and contribute to their communities. To date three projects have been approved:
- • the Sahtu trapping industry training project
- • the Beaufort-Delta youth entry level skills project; and
- • the Inuvik fur trapping training project.
The Sahtu trapping industry training project is a partnership between the youth secretariat, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Human Resources Development Canada, the Sahtu Divisional Board of Education, the Fur Institute of Canada and local community groups. In this program participating youth will have an opportunity to learn trapping and trapping industry skills, as well as gain educational upgrading and other personal development training. Most importantly, the program provides youth with a valuable experience of traditional culture.
The youth secretariat and the Beaufort-Delta District Education Council are sponsoring the Beaufort-Delta youth entry level skills project. Youth from around the region will have the opportunity to receive training in computer technology, the oil and gas industry and tourism, as well as educational upgrading in preparation for re-entry into the school system or job market.
The Inuvik fur trapping training project will allow youth in open custody to learn valuable skills related to trapping, on the land survival and basic safety so that when they return to their communities they will be in a better position to contribute to their own growth and development.
Discussions are underway to finalize projects in the Deh Cho, North Slave and South Slave regions.
Because this is a new initiative of this government, we are paying careful attention to how well each of these different approaches work in achieving our objectives of developing youth skills and leadership. The youth secretariat will be working closely with each of the project sponsors to evaluate project outcomes.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to advise Members that 19 smaller projects have been approved under the youth contributions project. This project provides support for small projects of $5,000 or less that assist youth in a range of development opportunities. Projects funded to date include support for students traveling to the Dream Catchers Conference, youth role model tours and junior ranger projects.
Mr. Speaker, our youth need strong support, good role models and the positive involvement of caring adults. With the youth secretariat, I am pleased to be able to assist in these areas and to provide NWT youth with support towards a stronger future for all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause