Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure what is happening and what all of the contributing factors are, but we are experiencing a protracted labour shortage. We have talked about the fierce competition for skilled tradespeople which is being fuelled by the unprecedented activity in the resource development sector. Yesterday, Minister Dent spoke of a program to get older workers into, or back into, the workforce. It seems such a short time ago that many sectors were downsizing, offering incentives and inducements to get workers over 55 to take early retirement. Now the 55 to 65 age group is being eyed as a potential source of valuable workers. Whether in Yellowknife, Hay River or Edmonton, almost every business has a sign posted for help wanted.
Although resource development is important, any and all new activity needs to be supported and services offered by sometimes small and medium-sized private companies and employers. To that end, in Hay River, our mayor will convene a meeting to discuss the need and shortage of workers in our community tomorrow. It is a problem that many employers are struggling with and need creative solutions. I believe our government has a role to play in helping find a solution to labour market shortages in the private sector. The unemployment rate in the NWT is very low, but surely there are potential workers in other parts of Canada, new Canadians and maybe even people who would like to come to Canada to find a better life for themselves and their families.
I look forward to the suggestions that will result from the meeting in Hay River tomorrow, but I would also welcome anyone else who has creative ideas of how we can address these challenges that are being experienced presently by small business to come forward with their suggestions and help to alleviate this problem which I believe for too long has been overlooked. Our government does have a role to play. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause