Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about getting community projects started in the Tlicho region, especially now that we're focusing on capital infrastructure that's before us. So, Mr. Speaker, there's currently no swimming pool in the Tlicho region. In the past, Behchoko and Edzo both had a seasonal swimming pool which was opened during summer months. This created summer employment and training opportunities for our young people.
Behchoko pool was dismantled due to asbestos. The pool in Edzo burned down in 2014 and was never replaced. Mr. Speaker, we know these facilities improve our communities and create healthy ways for youth to spend their time. This is true when we look at other jurisdictions. The new pool in Yellowknife is nearly completed. The city of Iqaluit aquatic Centre, which was finished in 2016, has raised a recreation fund of more than $1 million to help low income families access the pool there. Yesterday the Government of Alberta pledged to spend $60 million on its municipalities over the next three years. The Tlicho region has a sportsplex, but not all youth and families use the facility. I can tell you that families will use a swimming pool to spend quality time with their children. A year-round swimming pool in Whati and Behchoko would create meaningful employment, new training, and career opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to know what help we can provide our communities to get projects like these underway. Tlicho citizens will visit the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool in Yellowknife for Tlicho family swimming on Saturday, November 2nd. Mr. Speaker, my constituents tell me not everyone can drive to Yellowknife to use the pool at the scheduled times, especially residents from Whati, and I am worried about the road conditions during the upcoming winter months. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
