Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today on the issue of recreation and recreational facilities, specifically in the community of Nahanni Butte. It is a well-known fact that a good, comprehensive education requires not only academic or vocational instruction, but recreational opportunities as well. More than that, the provision of recreational opportunities is a necessary part of helping people make healthy lifestyle choices. I am pleased to see that the government recognizes this fact. In the 2004 strategic plan, which the Minister of Education earlier referred to in his statement, the government promises to support recreation and sports initiatives that provide opportunities for physical activity and personal development. Further, the government supports initiatives that encourage individuals, especially youth, to make positive lifestyle choices. My concern, Mr. Speaker, is that these recreational opportunities and choices that are necessary for well-rounded education and a balanced lifestyle are not being provided equally to all residents of the Northwest Territories. In the community of Nahanni Butte, in my riding, there is no school gymnasium. More than that, it appears the government has no plans to provide the community with a gymnasium for at least another 13 years; in the year 2017, Mr. Speaker. Nahanni Butte may be the only community in the whole of the Northwest Territories that does not have a school gymnasium. This is an unacceptable state of affairs.

Elsewhere in the North, existing schools and recreational facilities are being expanded and upgraded. Recreational opportunities and facilities are being improved for certain residents, while the residents of Nahanni Butte are completely denied the same opportunity to participate in life. They don’t have a choice, and they are not being offered one, Mr. Speaker. I believe it is a simple matter of fairness and equality in a democratic society that all residents receive the same basic level of service before we consider increasing or improving services that others already receive. The youth of Nahanni Butte need a gymnasium. If this government is serious about supporting recreation initiatives for everyone and about helping everyone make healthy choices, then now is the time to do it. Give the youth of Nahanni Butte what everyone else has and don’t wait 13 years to do it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause