Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of an exciting initiative in place at the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. This initiative is designed to address the shortage of skilled tradespeople working in house construction, and to provide much-needed housing to individuals in need.
Mr. Speaker, Housing Corporation officials devised a pilot project in 2001 to construct modest housing units through a community partnership approach. The Construction Trades Access Program is designed to introduce high school students to construction trades, to provide a structured work experience, and to encourage students to consider trades as a career. The program also involves college students and provides an outlet to apply classroom instruction to fieldwork.
The pilot projects for this program are being offered at high schools in Hay River and Fort Providence, and at Aurora College in Fort Smith. Students in the Construction Trades Access Program build one-bedroom self-contained homes designed for a couple or a single person. The homes are permanent, and are built to maximize energy efficiency.
Students have the opportunity to develop the skills to build homes and to learn about apprenticeship opportunities. The program exposes students to various trades, including carpentry, plumbing, heating and electrical. In addition, students learn to read blueprints, do layout work, and calculate material quantities.
Mr. Speaker, this initiative has proven to be an overwhelming success on many fronts. A total of four houses have been completed under this initiative, and two more are being constructed, as we speak. Although the concept is still referred to as a pilot project, it provides the optimum opportunity for learning and an affordable attractive home for clients. Homes have been located for clients in Fort Providence, Fort Resolution and on the Hay River Reserve.
Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, it provides an incentive for students to stay in school, and has even allowed students to find employment in skilled trades upon graduation. The corporation has recently committed to offering this program in the community of Fort Simpson, and, given the program's success, the corporation hopes to expand this program to other schools in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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