Thank you, Madam Chair. I am here today to present Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupational Certification Act. I want to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for its interest in and review of the bill. The Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupational Certification Act gives the Minister authority to issue various types of certifications for apprenticeships, trades, and occupations in the NWT.
This bill seeks to amend the act to allow for the issuance of other prescribed certificates, to give the Department of Education, Culture and Employment the ability to issue certificates of achievement in business competency to NWT journeypersons, commonly known as Blue Seal Certificates. Blue Seal Certificates, which are issued in a number of other jurisdictions, formally recognize achievement in business competency when a journeyperson has completed recognized business courses and training. There is currently no mechanism for granting Blue Seal Certificates under the act.
Having a Blue Seal Certificate program in the NWT that formally recognizes the achievements of journeypersons in business competency would both support the growth of businesses and the continued professional development of journeypersons. The amendment would also keep the NWT aligned with other jurisdictions where Blue Seal Certificates or similar certificates are issued and encourage associated business education and training in the North.
I am pleased to bring forward these amendments that will have a positive impact on our residents and the NWT labour market. This concludes my opening remarks, and I would be pleased to answer any questions that the Members may have regarding Bill 12. Thank you.