Some committee members made their concerns known to the Minister that more Northerners would be hired if there were more training programs available and training is incorporated as part of a department contract.

The department replied that training dollars are a component of some contracts, but not all. However, they are making "best efforts" to ensure the selection or inclusion of northern businesses and labour in their contracts.

At the request of the standing committee, the department agreed to provide a list of training money and the number of individuals that have received training through the department or its contractors for the past five years.