Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 52-19(2) asked by the Member for Deh Cho on November 1st, 2022 to the Minister of Infrastructure regarding the settlement maintainers training program.

Mr. Speaker, regarding the request to provide details on the number of indeterminate settlement maintainers, the number working in small communities, the number of vacancies, and a list of the current training opportunities offered to settlement maintainers during their employment, I will table a document later today at the appropriate time. There are 14 positions that provide maintainer services throughout the territory, all of which are filled. These services are augmented by two contractors and an apprentice.

The Department of Infrastructure will continue to collaborate with external agencies and post- secondary organizations to provide a range of training opportunities that allow settlement maintainers to advance their workplace skills and competencies.

I appreciate and share the Member's continued interest in settlement maintainer training, including the questions specific to oil and heating technician training. I can again advise the Member and the Legislative Assembly of the department's commitment to providing all our trades employees with opportunities to acquire the relevant technical and workplace training, knowledge, and skills they need to be successful in their work.

Specific to oil and heating technician training, the Department of Infrastructure continues to support qualified tradespeople, including settlement maintainers wishing to enroll in Aurora College's 12-week Oil Burner Mechanic program. Prerequisite skills and experience are required to be eligible for this course. Where possible, Infrastructure will support individuals in gaining these qualifications.

Finally, the Department of Infrastructure, and indeed the Government of the Northwest Territories as a whole, are fully committed to ensuring all employees are provided ongoing training opportunities to enhance and advance their skills and competencies. We support a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical training experiences, both in-House and contracted with credentialed and reputable external agencies. Methodologies are specific to organizational and individual needs and may include on-the-job training, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and a variety of other innovative delivery formats. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.