Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about some big changes that are happening to the sport and recreation system for the way funding is handled in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, according to the CBC news, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) will be taking over funding of all sport organizations in the territory beginning April 1st that used to be done by the Sport North Federation. Mr. Speaker, according to the news, this means that Sport North will receive a million dollars less in administration and program funding next fiscal year. This is a huge concern for all sports groups, whether it is at the grassroots, regional or territorial level. Mr. Speaker, as people have heard from the first day I was elected, youth sport recreations are dear to my heart. I understand and have lived more than 40 years in the system.
Mr. Speaker, I know the majority of the funding for sport and recreation in the territories comes from lottery proceeds spread through the Sport and Recreation Council to the five organizations in the system, including Sport North. Mr. Speaker, Sport North represents territorial sport organizations of the NWT, territorial sport organizations, commonly called TSOs, are dedicated to development of sport at every level of participation in the NWT. Sport North Federation and TSOs are recognized leaders in sport development and are ensuring that opportunities in sports based on fair play are accessible to all residents in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, we have heard that the reason the department is looking after the lotteries next year was because we were told that Revenue Canada made the recommendation if we didn't do this we'd lose the money due to taxation. To stop this, the department will take over the responsibility of lotteries. Mr. Speaker, according to the news in the department, they hired a consultant firm, Sutcliffe Group, to conduct a review of the sport and recreation programs for the territories around the same time.
Mr. Speaker, you've heard that changes were needed, but it needs to be done in a more collaborative way that would include a development of a sport and recreation physical activity strategy made for the territories, for the residents of the territories.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues out there. Mr. Speaker, it's been a little frustrating to say the least, according to some of the organizations that were involved in the process. It wasn't entirely clear to them what the rationale was for the structure change for removing Sport North as a funding agent for the membership. Mr. Speaker, by removing Sport North as a funding agent to its membership it seems the department limits the ability of the federation to help improve the health of the communities.
Mr. Speaker, I could spend hours, maybe months, maybe years on this topic, but I will stop here. Later on I'll have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
