Thank you Mr. Chair.
On this issue, I will try to link a number of points.
Firstly, part of the committee recently toured the East: Newfoundland, Nova-Scotia and Montreal. We met with groups on the occupational shortage study we are now carrying out. Time and time again, we heard the expression “grow locally”, the idea being to train people locally to meet local needs.
Secondly, as we known, the unemployment rate is much higher for aboriginal Canadians than for the general population.
Thirdly, a labour force is needed in the North, in various sectors. Generally speaking, people are needed in the construction sector.
It so happens an ex-colleague of mine brought up the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership. I would like to know if you have already heard of it.