Mr. Speaker, good afternoon to all Members of this House. Today I rise to update you on the progress the NWT Housing Corporation is making in support of the occupational trades training and certification program.

I am pleased to announce that the Fort Resolution Housing Authority has two apprentices who have successfully completed their trade, which includes their inter-provincial red seal. I would like to take this opportunity to express my congratulations to Dean McKay, who obtained his carpentry certification and Tyrone Fordy, who obtained certification as an oil burner mechanic. Thanks to their hard work and dedication to the program and to the support of the Fort Resolution Housing Authority and the NWT Housing Corporation, the community of Fort Resolution has just increased its capacity in terms of successfully developing its people.

Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation has met with officials from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment as well as community partners and, based on the success of the apprenticeship program, the corporation is expanding its commitment to this valuable program where possible.

It is clear that the occupational trades training and certification is working to help build our territory and strengthen our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause