Mr. Speaker, when we talk about education, we often talk about meeting students where they are at. This means providing resources to students at every stage in developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Mr. Speaker, this philosophy does not end when someone leaves school. That is why the Government of the Northwest Territories offers programs for every skill level at every career stage: From planning to enter the workforce, to upskilling for a new job, to starting a new business. With the average Canadian working 15 jobs in their lifetime, this means there are ample opportunities to all be lifelong learners.
Mr. Speaker, under Skills 4 Success, the NWT's overarching labour market strategy, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment offers a number of programs to help residents develop skills to join the workforce, advance in their current workplaces, or move to a new job. Since 2021, these programs financially supported nearly a thousand clients, and fulfilled over 18,000 requests from residents for career services like career counselling and job search help.
Post-secondary education is also important for preparing residents for job opportunities. The NWT Post-Secondary Education Strategic Framework sets the goal of ensuring the post-secondary education system responds to labour demands. Together with the Post-Secondary Education Act, the Government of the Northwest Territories is focused on fostering an education system that is student-centered, accessible, high-quality, and relevant updates to the income assistance program earlier this year also sought to ease residents' path to the workforce by increasing the amounts of earned income residents can keep without impacting their income assistance. This means that residents can "try out" a job or ease into employment without a significant impact to their benefits.
In addition to supporting the cost of training and education, Education, Culture and Employment also supports the transition to entrepreneurship through the self-employment program. This program accesses up to $26,000 for expenses Northerners may incur when starting their own business.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment also supports entrepreneurs, notably through the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development, or SEED policy. Through SEED, entrepreneurs can access up to $25,000 to support financial management, product development, and marketing strategies. In 2022-2023, over 350 individuals, businesses, and organizations accessed SEED, with over half of all funding going to communities with less developed business infrastructure.
Prosper NWT also offers a comprehensive suite of supports to encourage the creation and development of businesses. Last year, Prosper NWT disbursed $4.7 million in new loans, contributions, ventures, and subsidies. More than three quarters of these supports, or $3.6 million, supported businesses and entrepreneurs outside of Yellowknife.
One such success story is Ditchers Landscaping, founded by Drayton Walker in Norman Wells. Ditchers Landscaping has grown from a small operation with minimal equipment to a thriving business that now employs eight people. With support from Prosper NWT, the company expanded its services to include snow removal, janitorial, and general contracting work, contributing to increased employment and economic growth in the Sahtu.
Prosper NWT also provides business services to help Northerners start and grow their businesses. Resources include online learning sessions, a business library, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide to starting an NWT business. Last year alone, almost 150 people attended 37 business sessions to improve their business skills.
Mr. Speaker, we remain committed to providing access to the education, training and resources Northerners need to thrive in the workforce and to build businesses that support quality, fulfilling employment in all our communities.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Ministers' statements. Deputy Premier.
