Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Transportation has a number of programs that serve to continue the training and development of its own staff, particularly the ongoing training and development initiatives that deal with safety, and programs that deal with areas of competency within the department for the individuals. Similarly, we have -- and we are quite proud of it -- a career development program that was initiated a number of years ago in the department. Currently 12 candidates are proceeding with the program, but that program provides what we consider to be enhanced training opportunities for department staff that wish to move on to new initiatives in the future, whether they be enhanced supervisor, management or further opportunities and we continue to have good success.
The program also provides a great opportunity for individuals in the affirmative action area and we are quite pleased with the response and the take-up on that program.
In terms of the apprenticeship program, as a result of discussions over a year ago and at committee, we did identify three apprentices in the trades area in the department. Those apprentices now currently are working through their journeymen process at the mechanic level. Again, individuals from the North who will become competent in the fields of heavy trades mechanic training. So overall with that and with the internal performance planning and training programs for staff, we are quite proud and pleased with the ongoing opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.