Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week is Apprenticeship Week and on Thursday, apprentices and occupational candidates from all regions of the Northwest Territories will be given awards of excellence. These awards are given to the individuals with the highest marks in each specific working area.

Mr. Speaker, developing trades people and certifying occupations is essential to ensuring that future developments in the Northwest Territories benefit northerners first. For our people to get the most out of the diamond mines, oil and gas development, and other projects, they need to have the training to do the work. The jobs surrounding these projects require highly skilled labour, and we need to have certified northern journeypersons ready to fill them. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is addressing this need by continuing to strengthen its commitment to the Apprenticeship Program.

Mr. Speaker, there are currently over 300 northerners registered as apprentices in the NWT. Forty percent of these apprentices are aboriginal. During the 2003-04 school year, 54 apprentices completed their apprenticeships and 49 of those were awarded the Interprovincial Red Seal certification. This means that they have qualified to work in any province or territory in Canada. Another 37 northerners have been certified in designated occupations. All those receiving certification will be an important part of our territory’s future.

In the upcoming year, we are introducing a new certified occupation in environmental monitoring. Certified occupations are a formal recognition of training and evaluation in a specific field of work, determined by NWT occupational standards. Planning is also underway to increase the profile of occupational certification. Employers working in the NWT need to be made even more aware of the benefits of workers with proven skills and knowledge.

In addition, Education, Culture and Employment and Aurora College are working together to find ways to increase enrolment in trades programs and improve delivery of these programs.

Mr. Speaker, providing training in the North for as many apprentices and occupations as possible is important to us. Towards this end, we will also work with the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupational Certification Board to discuss new initiatives to increase trades training. The important role and contribution of employers will continue to be vital for our own ongoing and future success.

Mr. Speaker, I hope all Members will join me in the Great Hall for the annual Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Awards of Excellence luncheon on Thursday, February 10th, to celebrate successes of apprentices and occupational candidates from across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause