Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in order to maximize opportunities in our northern economy, we need to have the flexibility and capacity to adapt to change. We need to be able to adapt training and programming as industries develop, and as our population grows and changes. The NWT Labour Force Development Plan provides the strategic framework for this activity. This plan was developed in 2002 to ensure Northerners were able to participate meaningfully in society. The measures were strengthened and linked through partnerships and alliances, as well as labour market information and exchange.
Some of this work in the new areas has already started. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has been working with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to implement a Territorial Nominee Program. Starting in July, this program will assist immigrants who can contribute to the economic and social goals of our Territory in gaining permanent resident status.
Education, Culture and Employment also offers the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers which provides a range of employment activities to older workers in the communities experiencing ongoing high unemployment or those affected by downsizing or closures. This initiative is funded through the federal department of Human Resources and Skills Development. Programs such as this one will likely become increasingly important
as our population ages and we experience fluctuations in economic activity.
In addition to this work, there are new opportunities within the Northwest Territories for collaboration with industry and partners. The Memorandum of Understanding on the Northern Workforce Initiative between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the three diamond mines allows coordination of our efforts, but is not reflected in the existing Labour Force Development Plan.
As the new framework is developed, we will continue to ensure we provide Northerners with excellent career development services and opportunities through our ECE service centres. We are also working with HRSDC to establish an NWT Labour Market Agreement to ensure that individuals who are not eligible for assistance under employment insurance have access to programs and services that meet their specific labour market needs.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to presenting the final report to this House when it is completed. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.