Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. April 15 marked the official opening of the Mobile Trades Lab in Inuvik. Many of us here today were present at the opening and had the opportunity to tour the facility. It is an impressive unit — a great example of how innovation and open-minded thinking can allow us to maximize opportunities for Northerners. The opening of this lab was cause for celebration in the Beaufort-Delta region and for all the partners involved in the project.
Earlier in this session I spoke about a partnership approach to building the Aurora College residence in Inuvik. The Mobile Trades Lab is yet another example of how a partnership is leading to great things in this region. The lab became a reality due to community commitment and action.
Mr. Speaker, funding was provided by a broad group of partners, including the Government of Canada, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs; Gwich’in Tribal Council; Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Aurora College; and GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
The demand for educated tradespeople in the Northwest Territories continues to grow. We also hear from our industry partners that they need Northerners with basic skills and who are ready for work. One of the great selling points of trades is the opportunity for exciting, hands-on work, and direct exposure to this type of work through projects like this mobile training unit is one of the best ways to get Northerners interested.
Aurora College will be offering pre-trades training at the new Mobile Trades Lab in the 2008–2009 academic year. Aurora College is working on a plan that would see the mobile lab travel to other communities in the Beaufort-Delta, allowing more Northerners to get a taste of the trades. In this way, the Mobile Trades Lab has the potential to be a model for the delivery of trades training right across the North.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Ministers’ statements. The Hon. Premier, Mr. Roland.
