Daniel McNeely

Thanks to the Minister for that information. I am glad to hear that it's moving in the direction that it's intended for. My next question: will the Minister confirm if there are other accessible resources available to increase the Small Community Employment Program, a consolidation of various programs moving toward that same direction?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In today's YK Paper, the unemployment rate in the Northwest Territories increased to 8.7 per cent, up from 7 per cent last year, fourth-highest in Canada and much higher in our small communities. This is an indicator to government's decrease in revenues and without industry, as well.

Mr. Speaker, one of the positive supporting action initiatives is the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Small Community Employment Support Program. We can all agree, without government support and without industry projects, this only increases challenges to the household income...

Thank you, Minster McLeod. Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Mr. Stewart. Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Mr. Stewart. Mr. Simpson.

My next question: are there federal sources of funding available to match dollar for dollar for this program?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my Member's statement, supporting for the small communities. As a new Member to this Assembly I have come to realize the physical challenges of government, and more importantly the positive contributions made through program delivery, in particular the Small Community Employment Support Program. My first question to the Minister of ECE is: can the Minister highlight some positive points created by this Small Community Employment Support Program? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Simpson. Reply to that, Minster McLeod?