Thank you. It's a real pleasure to be here today.
I can't emphasize enough our government's commitment to fostering the opportunity and growth potential of this region. In fact, we've put the North higher on our political agenda than it has been for decades. We're not just talking about it, we are taking action – real action.
Nowhere is this clearer than through our Northern Strategy, which seeks to strengthen our Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's fragile environment, promote social and economic development and improve and devolve Northern governance so that Northerners have greater control over their destinies.
At this morning's Northern Development Minister's Forum, I witnessed, first-hand, partners working together to realize the full potential of the Northern regions of this country.
I certainly learned a lot from this morning's session, and I offer my best wishes for a productive and engaging day.
In the spirit of this Forum, we are launching two new projects with the shared vision of seizing the many opportunities offered by the growing Northern economy.
On behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, I am delighted to announce a new investment of $9 million for a project called "Building on Success: New Directions for Mine Training in the Northwest Territories."
Over a three-year period, 500 Aboriginal people will receive training that will lead to at least 288 long-term jobs in the Northwest Territories' mining sector. This helps ensure that development in the North first and foremost benefits Northern people.
Today's new funding builds on our government's 2004 investment in the Mine Training Society-an Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program that is already showing results. Congratulations are in order, as just last week 18 individuals completed the Mine Training Society's Underground Miner program.
We all know that a highly skilled Aboriginal workforce is key to economic success in Canada. That's why, in Budget 2007, we committed an additional $105 million over five years in the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership.
Today, we're also taking another important step in opening the door of opportunity for Northern entrepreneurs. We're announcing a $2.1 million investment to improve access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses throughout the Northwest Territories.
We're working with the Community Futures Development Corporations to create a pooled-capital fund. Their experience working with the small-business sector is going to help us unleash the tremendous economic potential that we know exists within Northern communities.
By improving access to capital, we can provide businesses and entrepreneurs with a leg up. During my own career, I ran businesses as a logging contractor. Like any small business, access to capital was sometimes a challenge. But when you get financing, it not only boosts your capital, it boosts your confidence. It confirms the belief you have in yourself.
So, while this announcement is about investing in business, it's really a vote of confidence in the people of this territory. And as businesses succeed and grow, it will mean jobs and opportunity for many others.
Thank-you.
