Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the hardworking tradespeople of the Northwest Territories, who have pursued very important skills that are in high demand, not only here but throughout Canada. I also want to recognize that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment does support our tradespeople through apprenticeship programs, and the continuous support for the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification program.
The department assists and supports the development, maintenance, and delivery of designated trade and occupational training programs that contribute to the development of a skilled northern workforce, in partnership with industry professionals.
There is also a Certification Board with five trade advisory committees; carpentry, plumbing, electrical, heavy equipment technician, and housing maintainer trades. These committees are made up of representatives from industry leaders who can go on to employ these skilled workers.
My own riding of Kam Lake is known as the heart of small businesses in Yellowknife and, certainly, they have made use of these programs. Through the many businesses there, we have been able to see northern tradespeople given opportunities to develop their skills and enter our workforce, putting Northerners on the map for being some of the most skilled and dedicated tradespeople in Canada, and certainly the world. The benefits of the economic wellbeing of the entire territory driven by tradespeople are well-known, and this program will continue to have support from me and from business owners.
However, there are problems with it, Mr. Speaker. For example, in my riding, one of my constituents, a business owner, has 27 apprenticeship positions, but only received funding for two of those positions. That is a 25 per cent opportunity, the remainder being lost, potentially, to the south of 60. Mr. Speaker, we need to do a better job of providing full funding for apprenticeships so they can not only learn and develop their skills, but so we can enhance our skill markets.
I know another constituent who has brought people from southern jurisdictions to work in the Northwest Territories, supplementing their own workforce, but also creating opportunities for Canadians, not just Northerners. These are good examples of how we can attract people to unique northern opportunities in the Territories, and enhancing this program, I think, is a crucial step forward to developing a skilled labour force for the Northwest Territories.
I will have questions for the Minister later on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.