Date
February
18
2005
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of February 18, 2005 (day 39)
Topics
Statements
Member’s Statement On NWT Council Of Sport And Recreation Partners Implementation Plan
Henry Zoe
North Slave
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a minute I will be talking about the NWT Council of Sport and Recreation Partners’ implementation plan, but first I just wanted to congratulate the Minister, his department and all their partners in putting together the first ever NWT Games program in Fort Smith for March 18th to 21st. Having a sport event just for the NWT has been a goal of the sport community for a long time.
Mr. Speaker, the last time we were here I spoke a little about my support for the NWT Council of Sport and Recreation Partners and I just want to say a little bit more on this topic. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has been working for years, in consultation with their stakeholders in sport and recreation, to find ways to improve the system. All communities and partners wanted an opportunity to participate in planning and decision-making for this system. There needed to be improved coordination and a simplified quorum for decision-making. Also, all communities wanted greater access to sport and recreation programs and more resources with which to accomplish all of this.
Mr. Speaker, according to the implementation plan in 2005, the council will be working on a resource management plan which includes support for the lottery in order to maximize revenue flow, streamlining administrative expenses, and creating volunteer and staff support initiatives. The council will be working on a communication and marketing plan, a plan to consolidate partner’s offices and a plan to establish system-wide priorities and operating principles. The council will provide periodic updates to their sport partners to keep them informed of the council's progress.
In January 2006, the Minister will make a final decision on council’s budget request and in April 2006, the council will begin their first year of operation under a new fiscal arrangement.
Mr. Speaker, the council will have a lot of work to do in a very short time. Nominations close for the new council on March 7, 2005. I wish them well with their objectives. Mahsi.
---Applause