Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on November 9, 1994, the town of Inuvik issued a press release expressing their concerns about the process used to select a host community for the 1998 Arctic Winter Games. Generally, they are concerned about the process and selection criteria used and what the final decision means for the ongoing integrity and future of the games.
I wish to reiterate the position expressed by the Inuvik and region Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee that the 1998 bid process is finalized, and we all recognize and congratulate the city of Yellowknife as the host community. We wish them all the best.
Mr. Speaker, one of the outstanding issues is the selection process and criteria used by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. Ever since the decision was announced, there have been various allegations and insinuations made about the roles and responsibilities of the international bid committee, the Minister, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the two Northwest Territories appointees to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. I don't want to get into the specifics of these as they have received enough press already.
However, I do wish to again congratulate the Inuvik and regional Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee for their outstanding efforts. They based their bid on the criteria which was given to them and on the understanding that a split games format could be acceptable. In doing so, they presented a very professional package.
What I do wish to address, and hopefully have answered, are the many questions raised by the Inuvik and regional bid committee and Members of this House about the integrity of the selection process. It appears that there is no clear process between the sponsoring governments and the international committee to determine the evolution of the games.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.