Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT continues to expand its inventory of public housing units. These new units will provide stable living conditions and reduce homelessness for vulnerable populations. Safe, affordable housing improves the quality of life. It impacts health, self-confidence, stability, and stronger families, giving people the chance to look beyond survival and focus on opportunity.
New units, however, are only part of the solution. We face a shortage of certified tradespeople, both here and across Canada, to build and maintain existing units. This shortfall delays construction projects, increases costs, and impedes economic development. We need more carpenters, electricians, plumbers, oil heat system technicians, and housing maintainers, to keep our buildings safe and structurally sound.
But Housing NWT has a plan, Mr. Speaker. We are committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and organizations, Aurora College, and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, to ensure apprentices have greater access to education and employment opportunities. By strengthening these partnerships, we can better support apprentices in building successful careers while also contributing to sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of NWT residents.
Our apprenticeship program aims to alleviate labour shortages by providing opportunities for residents to gain the skills and education necessary to secure trade jobs in their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Housing NWT allocated an annual budget of $861,000 to the apprenticeship program, resulting in the hiring and training of apprentices by the local housing organizations.
Since the launch of Housing NWT's apprenticeship program in 2007, 24 apprentices have become certified tradespeople and that number is expected to continue to grow. Housing NWT works closely with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment's apprenticeship, trade and occupation certification program. ECE supports apprentices in receiving hands-on training with certified trades people and getting the necessary work hours and classroom instruction to achieve trade certification. Starting April 1, 2025, Housing NWT is funding three new apprenticeship positions, bringing the total number of positions from 12 to 15.
Housing NWT is building capacity over the long term within the construction industry by requiring an apprentice work assignment for all new construction project contracts. As a result of that, Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT contracts have supported 64 NWT apprentice work assignments with our general contractors since 2020.
Mr. Speaker, through our investment in trade apprenticeships, Housing NWT accomplishes several objectives. We are building a skilled workforce by reducing employment barriers and promoting career opportunities in isolated and Indigenous communities. We are bridging employment gaps through worker training. Finally, we are providing preventative maintenance to save money and extend the life of our buildings and systems. We are creating new opportunities for Northerners and building more homes for Northerners through our investments in trade apprenticeships. We are investing in people, Mr. Speaker, that will help us build the future. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister for Health and Social Services.
