Human Resources committee  More can always be done. I feel that we are on the right track. We are happy with the existing programs and we just want to improve some aspects of them a little. We really like the direction that the Canada Job Grant is going in. As we have already said, it focuses on participation by employers.

Human Resources committee  What we're really talking about here, especially with LMDA-type programming, is getting somebody into that first job in a trade. As Mr. Reid was saying, it's that first move. Once you're moving from job to job, then you're set, right? It's really getting somebody into that position.

Human Resources committee  I would concur. I think that really getting employers engaged early to make sure that there are jobs available at the back end is absolutely critical. As Mr. Reid mentioned, the more mobility aspects we can work into the system, the better, because as our president, Mr. Golightly, pointed out, if you look at raw numbers, you might say there's no skills shortage, but when you look on a regional basis, we're not matching up employment opportunities with people, so mobility is a big part that we could build in.

Human Resources committee  I am, thank you. It's a pleasure to be here today. Thank you for the invitation. My name is Kevin Lee. I'm the chief executive officer of the Canadian Home Builders' Association. Here with me today, as the chair has pointed out, is our national president, Bard Golightly. Bard is chief operating officer for the Christenson Group in Edmonton, Alberta.

Human Resources committee  Sure. I only have five minutes, right?

Human Resources committee  Good. Then I can go at half speed.

Human Resources committee  Federal support for apprentices has been generous with the $1.4 billion allocated between 2007 and 2012 in programs like the apprenticeship job creation tax credit, the apprenticeship incentive grant, and the apprenticeship completion grant. To this we are pleased to see being added the Canada apprentice loan.

Human Resources committee  Great. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Kevin Lee. I'm the CEO of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, and with me is Jack Mantyla, our national coordinator on education and training. Thank you for inviting us here today. I want to focus my remarks on the Canada apprentice loan.