Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I know that Skills Compétences Yukon has been a beneficiary of the generosity of the federal government for 12 years. Although we're very grateful and appreciative, it's been kind of the status quo for the last 12 years. Our working relationship within Service Canada has been wonderful.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  They've been a huge partner within the Skills Canada movement of getting people engaged in trades and technology. That's been another big benefit to the participants and competitors we have throughout the north. Not indirectly, but very directly, the Yukon Mine Training Association has been a fantastic partner in helping to get people in the communities engaged and ready for mining, as Ron was saying as well.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, it is, and it varies greatly. From what I understand, the Yukon is very fortunate to have the funding it has for the size of our region. We're producing some amazing results nationally and internationally. We're very blessed to have what we have.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Anybody can challenge a program. The pre-employment programs, even at Yukon College, are not necessary to challenge a program, but I think it would be prudent to do them. Our hope and our desire is to reach out and find that there is some interest, and like you mentioned, and you're absolutely right, people have to help themselves.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Though there is validity both in Whitehorse and the regions throughout Yukon, we tend to structure most of our programs or our clubs throughout the communities. What we've done is gone quite aggressively into the communities repeatedly to find out exactly what it is that community needs, wants, or desires in terms of trades or technology.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Our budget from Service Canada is $250,000 a year. That pays for our national travel to go from Whitehorse, Yukon, to the national skills competition, which typically takes about half of our budget. That budget is for myself and staff--I have none--our facility, and any moneys we get.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No, $250,000 comes from Service Canada for Skills Compétences Canada Yukon. For every province and territory, their primary funder is Service Canada--every single one. I take that back. Perhaps Alberta has more industry following than they do Service Canada. Skills Compétences Canada would not exist if it wasn't for Service Canada.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm glad someone asked me that question, because I think I failed horribly in trying to explain it earlier. We use a lot of the carving skills to get people engaged. We use this as a hook. But the real focus is trades and technology that are relevant to the region and to Canada.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's very good. The measurable results are most certainly there. It's not to say that we have 100% people retained, but for a lot of these people, they didn't have the skills to begin with, and they become very employable after taking our programs, be it at an entry level or even a bit more.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's an excellent rate.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The community consultative approach and the continuity and relevance is something I've talked about a little bit already. The community consultative approach means that when we have gone to the communities, some of them we've had to go to three or four times, just because there has been some history.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'd like to thank you for inviting me and my colleagues. That's wonderful. I don't want to spend a whole lot of time explaining who we are. Hopefully you've already heard of the organization, Skills Compétences Canada. We are throughout Canada. I've given notes for everyone to give a bit of an overview, and I hope you'll have some questions about how we run, and I will answer them.