Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has reached an agreement for the utilization of the former Somba K’e Healing Lodge near Dettah. Effective June 2008 the corporation will be leasing this facility to the Deton’Cho Corporation, which is owned by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. They will operate the facility as a training centre in partnership with the Mine Training Society and Aurora College for three years.
Under this partnership Aurora College will be offering the Underground Miner Training Program at the facility and will offer accommodations to all students in the program on-site to introduce trainees to a camp-like setting. The Deton’Cho Corporation has committed $150,000 over three years to purchase equipment, furniture and other supplies to convert this facility into an educational facility. Mining companies currently operating in the territory will also serve as partners in this initiative. Together, this partnership between the government and the private sector will allow for the development of programs and services that will assist our residents in gaining sustainable employment opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that an appropriate use has been found for this facility. Since taking ownership of this facility in 2003, the Housing Corporation has incurred operating and maintenance costs related to this facility totalling approximately $1 million. It is important that we expend funds in the most appropriate and beneficial way possible. In this case not only does the lease allow us to redirect funds to other areas; the intended use for the facility will be beneficial to residents wishing to gain employment in the mining industry. The shelter component of this agreement will also make it easier for residents from outside Yellowknife to learn at their facility and have access to housing during their training.
This agreement is evidence of the successes that can be realized when we work in partnership with community organizations, other departments and development corporations. I’d like to extend my
congratulations and best wishes to the partners as they pursue their efforts to train residents to take advantage of the many opportunities stemming from resource development.
Thank you.