[English translation not provided.] Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, back on November 28 I spoke about infrastructure needs for the youth in Tu Nedhe, the Tu Nedhe riding. On Monday I talked about providing support to communities to allow them to hire qualified recreation staff. Today I would like to talk about input that I have received to date on the issues from the communities.
In Lutselk’e they have a new arena, but they do not have the staff to properly maintain the facility. As well, the community is not fully prepared for the high O&M costs of running a community arena. And they still have no Zamboni.
Keep in mind that Lutselk’e is an isolated community of under 400 people. You can put the entire community population in the multiplex arena here and still have room to spare. It’s clear that a community of this size will have a lot of difficulty to operate such an essential piece of infrastructure. They simply do not have the human or financial resources to do so. They need help from our government.
If run and maintained by properly trained staff, sport, recreation and youth facilities can have a positive impact on the community. In Fort Resolution an example of this is from April to December ’06. When the arena was closed, the local RCMP reported a total of 26 youths that had been charged with various crimes. When the arena was opened from December to April’07, a total of only four youth were charged. Unfortunately, the arena was closed again from April to December the following year, and 18 more youth were charged with various crimes.
The difference is significant, and it sends a message that is loud and clear. Adequate recreation for youth facilities run by properly trained staff can produce immediate results. In my October 19 Member’s statement I briefly talked about resources, tools, expertise needed for communities to effectively address and deliver youth and recreation programs and services. Today I would once again reiterate the urgency to provide these supports.
Mr. Speaker, on the MACA website it states that MACA recognizes that sport, recreation and physical activity are essential to the health and well-being of citizens and the community. The department provides support by assisting the community to provide local support, recreation, physical activities and programs and services.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, the department’s mandate is clear: to provide support to communities, to provide local sport and recreation programs. According to my communities the support being provided is insufficient. The department needs to re-examine its priorities and provide efforts where the communities can see immediate, positive results.
Later on I will follow up my statement with questions to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
