In regard to the other aspects, I think that as the Housing Corporation who really does benefit communities economically and socially and by job opportunities and training opportunities for a lot of people, and more importantly, trying to get our young people into the apprenticeships, this is one department that really can achieve results in communities, especially when we talk about the economics and social conditions of our communities, high unemployment and economic opportunities. I think that one of the ways that we should be looking at is... I know the whole area of breaking down contracts and trying to get them to a stage where we contract the different segments regardless if it’s site development work, put that out as a separate contract. Foundation work such as pilings, that could be a separate contract, and also even to a point where we actually try to attract local businesses to get into the different segments regardless if it’s dry walling or painting or plumbing or electricians. I think that is an area where we can really develop the communities’ social and economic potential, especially for young individuals who want to get into the trades, want to stay in their
local home communities and look at that as a business opportunity.
I think that’s something that we have to be cognizant of, especially where we’re starting to see higher and higher statistics in our communities in excess of 40 percent. To me, that is telling us something when you have 45 percent unemployment in the community where you have a population of 800 people. That should be sending a message out.
I’d just like to know if that’s something that can be considered and contemplated in regard to the contracting practices and procedures and even looking at the contracting guidelines that we have, if there are ways that we can try to sustain and maintain as many of those capital investment dollars in our local communities.