Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Soccer players in my riding have a challenging task in regard to making the NWT Team and making it to the Western Canadians this summer. Mr. Speaker, soccer players in Fort McPherson who have been trying out for the Western Canada Games have more than training to worry about. Five players needed to raise $27,000 to keep up with the costs associated with representing Team NWT in Kamloops, B.C., this summer.
Mr. Speaker, each player on the team is responsible for the costs associated with travelling, meals and accommodation during their time in regard to the tryouts. Mr. Speaker, again, that’s the part that’s not equitable in regard to the players that come from Yellowknife who definitely have an advantage by way of having the tryouts here in Yellowknife, being able to take the opportunity to partake in the facilities in Yellowknife in regard to the training facility, but more importantly, not have to worry about travel costs to attend these training camps which other players have to.
Mr. Speaker, I think it’s imperative that this government finds a system that’s fair, transparent, and offers equity in regard to all athletes regardless of which community you come from, but to find ways to accommodate regional trials versus territorial, and identify those players at the regional trials prior to formulating a team to represent Team NWT.
Mr. Speaker, again, we have to ensure that we find a system to not only allow our athletes to partake, but more importantly, to have to put burdens on them such as having to pay the cost for travel and accommodation, and more importantly, to make the team.
Again, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs exactly what this government is doing to facilitate and accommodate our communities to take part in these territorial events. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
