Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Small Community Employment Support Program provides wage subsidies to employers in our small communities. Those employers can offer work and on-the-job training to unemployed youth and adults.

That means places like small businesses, schools, local governments, NGOs, and local housing authorities can apply through their local ECE service centre for financial support to train local people in the jobs small communities need.

Last year this program was funded just $339,000; this year, we're seeing a proposed increase of $3 million in the main estimates, plus a further commitment of $1 million.

Mr. Speaker, with this we can hope to see more people training and working, more small businesses thriving, and more families' incomes invested in their communities. We need to put this program to good use.

Mr. Speaker, we heard in the Budget Address that the government intends to develop a Small Community Employment Strategy to improve the way it spends program money.

I'd like to see that strategy lay out a clear, concise plan for improved community engagement and outreach, dedicated job creation, and enhance supports targeted at our young people.

With the new fiscal year rapidly approaching, time is short for preparation and for implementation, but I believe this program will be one to watch. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.