Thank you, Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of MACA. I would like to ask the Minister: what role does the department play in determining the location of sport development camps and other tryout locations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs actually supports the various sports organizations throughout the Northwest Territories to provide services to the residents. The territorial sports organizations themselves decide where the selection of camps will be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Does the Minister know how many of these events have been held in Yellowknife in the past four years compared to other communities throughout the territory?
Due to our working relationship, our partnerships with the five sports and recreational associations throughout the Northwest Territories, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs does not currently track the information on the location of the selected camps. As so, we do not have that information, what specifically is provided in Yellowknife as to other communities.
What programs for youth under sport and recreation currently exist to help youth athletes from remote communities access tryout and sport development opportunities outside of their home communities?
Sport North right now has the Kids Sport program, and they provide support to families that have a demonstrated economic need, so lower income families can apply for that to access sports and recreation facilities. We also have the two regional recreation associations that will take applications to address accessibility, and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is willing to provide the information to any families that need support in not knowing where to get the applications for these supports provided.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my last but most important question is: how will the Minister act to improve the accessibility of these events, for instance, ensuring that some are held in the Beaufort Delta region? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Municipal and Community Affairs recently met with the five sports and recreation associations, and I may be incorrect, but I believe it was around about a month ago. We are in the process just currently of identifying all of the gaps, overlaps, and areas of need, so I will commit to bringing forward the need to look at providing events, not only in the capital cities or the market communities, but in smaller communities. I will bring that to the table as an identified gap. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
