Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to draw attention to an issue that affects a great number of businesses in the Northwest Territories -- that being the lack of skilled labour, Mr. Speaker. Labour shortages continue to plague small- and medium-sized business owners. Small businesses continue to create jobs at an increasing rate. However, the shortage of qualified tradespeople may actually worsen as our economy grows stronger.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Karen Cooper, manager of the Hay River Career Development Centre, and her excellent staff for playing host to the 2002 apprenticeship forum held in Hay River on October 2nd. The apprenticeship forum was attended by a variety of stakeholders, Mr. Speaker. There were employers, young apprentice, GNWT representatives, post-secondary representatives, and educators, to name a few. The forum was a wonderful venue for stakeholders to share ideas and discuss solutions to our labour shortages.
Mr. Speaker, I was quite appalled to hear shop teachers saying that their yearly budget is $4,000 with 30 kids in their classes. One teacher mentioned that his budget is $16 per student for the entire year. This does not include anything for resource materials. It is only for materials, not for any capital items. This is as a result of our formula funding arrangements for schools.
Mr. Speaker, in Hay River, our high school was built in the 1970s and our shop area has never been upgraded. How are you to teach kids about the trades and develop their interest in the trades if these educators are dealing with such antiquated equipment? I give these teachers credit, Mr. Speaker, for working under these conditions and continually trying to motivate kids.
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveyed their NWT members only a year ago, and 83 percent of the respondents say that their highest priority is the shortage of qualified labour. That really says something, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, at the apprenticeship forum, it was stressed to delegates that they need to talk to their MLAs about this situation and really make them listen. Well, Mr. Speaker, I have heard them and I hope that the Minister responsible and this government is listening. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause