Debates of October 29, 2004 (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, leading an active lifestyle, getting outside in the fresh air and participating in sports improves peoples’ lives. For elders, leading an active lifestyle can prevent diseases like diabetes and being active can help you to better manage an illness. For youth, being active improves self-esteem, their coordination and even their performance in school. Benefits of an active lifestyle are…(inaudible)… and one of the answers to a lot of our social problems in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, that’s why I want to say that I’m glad that the implementation plan for the Northwest Territories Council of Sport and Recreation Partners is complete now and this is a very worthwhile initiative. Before this new council was created, a lot of small communities didn’t feel like they were involved with sports and recreation. Recreation in the communities suffered. Programs weren’t being coordinated very well, and there just wasn’t enough money for them.

Mr. Speaker, I’m particularly excited by the NWT Council of Sport and Recreation Partners proposed duties. The new council will have an advocacy role, and they promise to engage and involve every community while respecting their individuality. The NWT Council of Sport and Recreation Partners is also promising to listen and respond to the communities. The council is going to ensure community support, which I think is a good initiative, Mr. Speaker, and a long time coming.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the new council is supposed to make sure that all residents of the Northwest Territories have access to sports and recreation programs. Mr. Speaker, three years of consultation went into creating the council and it wasn’t an easy process, but I think it is a very worthwhile initiative. The new council is supposed to be appointed by February 2005 and they are going to have their first meeting in April. I just want to wish them the best of luck. Mahsi.

---Applause