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Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen delivered the following member's statement in the legislature on Tuesday: Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce to the House that new training facilities have opened in northern Manitoba. Some of the great facilities in the Flin Flon constituency include the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, a new University College of the North Regional Centre, the Nelson House Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre, and the Northern Technical Centre. These facilities give northern Manitobans the chance to learn hands-on skills which contribute positively to our communities and province, training northerners for jobs in the North. September marked the official opening of the Northern Technical Centre in Cranberry Portage. I had the pleasure of attending and getting to meet with some of the 200 community members, students, and political dignitaries who were present to support the facility's opening. This cutting-edge centre was architecturally converted from a retired aircraft hangar. Through this centre, students have the opportunity to take a variety of courses that address some of the northern labour shortages. Courses are offered in building construction, cosmetology, and commercial cooking. The facility will also be introducing programming in power mechanics. Last year, the students produced an 800-square-foot ready-to-move house. They then sold the home to a community member, bringing money back into the school and providing housing for residents. Being able to see the work that the students created within the community brings great pride to them, to the school and to the province. The students attending this facility come from 21 different northern communities. When the students complete their training, these communities will benefit from the enhanced technical skills that they bring home with them once they return. Mr. Speaker, I believe in these educational facilities, in the work being done, the hard-working students who participate, and the good this will do for all of the North. I know the Members of this House will join me in congratulating all those involved in our training centers. I am excited for the great opportunities they will create for the youth of Manitoba's North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
