Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the key priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly is a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
Labour force development, career counselling and employment supports are ways in which the Department of Education, Culture and Employment works toward achieving this priority. Today I wish to inform Members of some recent and new initiatives in this regard.
The department is working on an NWT Labour Force Development Framework that looks ahead to the next 10 years. This framework is for all labour market stakeholders in the Northwest Territories: business, industry in all levels of government, non-government organizations, employees, the unemployed and underrepresented in the workforce.
Over the past three months, the department has been consulting with our partners across the Northwest Territories to come up with a shared vision and common goals and objectives.
The framework is a guide for all labour market stakeholders. It is a tool for working in partnership and a guide to making decisions and coordinating limited resources.
As well, the framework builds a structure of monitoring and reporting so partners can measure successes and respond collectively to emerging labour market trends and key labour force challenges throughout the Territory.
The framework will guide regional labour force activities to help the Northwest Territories respond to economic opportunities through 2020 and beyond.
One initiative to support labour force development is the Small Community Employment Supports Program, which began in April 2010.
The committee on Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities developed the Small Community Employment Supports Program. This is a $350,000 employment incentive program for employers in small and remote communities to provide employment opportunities for youth ages 15 to 29 during the summer season. The program provides youth an opportunity to gain work experience and acquire skills that lead to greater independence. Wage and training subsidies are available to employers offering essential employment skill development.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that 27 employers in 19 communities accessed the program, helping 98 youth. Strong communication between regional ECE service centre staff and local community members built the success of this program.
In the fall and winter, funds will be available for youth who are out of school. This allows eligible employers to take full advantage of the program year round.
Mr. Speaker, the nature of the Small Community Employment Supports Program allows meaningful partnerships with private sector employers and non-government organizations. It is one example of how this government is preparing and developing for our future labour force. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
