Debates of March 30, 2004 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs this afternoon, with regard to the concept and development of an NWT-wide summer Olympic games. I’m going to ask the Minister if he can provide an update in this House as to what stage he’s at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Zoe.

Return To Question 113-15(3): Definition Of An Elite Athlete

Mr. Speaker, I’m not quite clear as to the question that the honourable Member is raising. An NWT-wide Olympic games? I haven’t heard of anything of that sort before. Thank you.

Mr. Allen, could you clarify your question?

Supplementary To Question 113-15(3): Definition Of An Elite Athlete

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll acknowledge that the Minister is not aware of the concept, so I’ll go on to my next question if I may be permitted. Would the Minister guide his department to work more closely with the TSOs to sanction certain qualifying meets to overcome some of the high costs of regional and territorial qualifying events? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Zoe.

Further Return To Question 113-15(3): Definition Of An Elite Athlete

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

Supplementary, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that’s a good way to respond back to questions. I’m going to ask the Minister if he would kindly define his interpretation of what an elite athlete is at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The question is out of order because you’re trying to get an opinion from the Minister and I think the question should be based on trying to get information that’s privy to the Minister, not an opinion. Mr. Allen.

Supplementary To Question 113-15(3): Definition Of An Elite Athlete

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had asked the question about the definition and that complies with certain statements he made in the opening remarks about how we treat elite athletes. So I’m going to ask again in terms of a definition, would he explain what the department considers an elite athlete? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Zoe.

Further Return To Question 113-15(3): Definition Of An Elite Athlete

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the honourable Member wants me to give him a definition, it’s someone like the honourable Member when he was an athlete in Inuvik in skiing. Someone in that calibre. Thank you.

---Applause