Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 18th Assembly has done good work and has had success in promoting economic diversification, but it is fair to say that the challenge of creating employment opportunities, especially in smaller communities, remains a big challenge.
Smaller communities, by definition, have fewer opportunities and bigger challenges. There is less economic activity and less of a base to build from. At the same time, employers are having a hard time recruiting and retaining northern employees. They sometimes feel that there is no choice but to turn to the larger fly-in labour market from the south. That doesn't serve anyone's interests, Mr. Speaker.
A recent report of the Conference Board of Canada suggests an approach to resolve the impasse. It is clearly in the interests of employers to engage with Indigenous communities. It is mandated by land rights agreements. It provides better working relationships with communities and can lead to a stronger workforce, higher quality of work, and, of course, happier employees. Employers know that failing to engage positively with communities will create obstacles for their projects moving forward.
Mr. Speaker, at the same time, the private sector recognizes the importance of the broad movements towards reconciliation and the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The private sector recognizes that one of the TRC's calls to action, number 92, urges it to conform to UN declaration. The Government of Canada is currently moving in that same direction through Bill C-262.
In this context, Mr. Speaker, we can encourage the private sector and our small communities to seek solutions together. Community challenges may include education and skills attainment, and family and community obligations. Employers' challenges are improving community inclusion and cultural awareness to create effective outreach, offer appropriate skills development, and guarantee fair compensation practices.
Mr. Speaker, our government needs to take up this mission. We need to connect employers with communities to work together to improve outreach and recruitment, balance work with community obligations, enhance educational opportunities, and match candidates to suitable jobs. We need to be the incubator that grows these initiatives with education, encouragement to business, and through leading by example.
Mr. Speaker, there are solutions to the challenge of creating employment and successfully growing the economy in small communities. We need to encourage creative thinking and collaboration to keep things moving in a positive direction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.