Thank you. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm not familiar with the details but, the way I understand it, the process used by the organization was to hire on two team coaches and the two coaches made the decision during the territorial trials held in January. They selected the all-star team that is to go. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Madam Speaker, I guess my expectations are a little bit high because I've been at this for over a week now. Can the Minister tell me, then, who was present and directly involved in this? I'm told that Coral Harbour did not have a coach. I wonder if that is the reason why they weren't selected. My actual question, Madam Speaker, is who was present and directly involved?

Thank you. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Madam Speaker, I have indicated that I don't know the details of what has happened. I do feel very badly about this situation and I think, by all accounts, Coral Harbour has a very good team and it is legitimate for them to feel that they should have had a member on the final team. I sympathize with the team and the Member for raising the issue. The fact is, I, as the Minister of MACA, cannot appoint a player on the team. There is just no way that

I can appoint a person. Even if I could, it would not be fair to those who have already been chosen.

However, what I think this debate could do is send a message to Sport North and its associate organizations that they should be more sensitive to the wishes of the smaller communities, especially those in the Nunavut area. I understand that a system is in place for fair selection for all athletes, but in this instance, no one was chosen from the second best team. I do hope this experience will be taken into account by Sport North and its various sporting bodies, particularly the hockey association.

I believe they have learned that it is important not only to have a fair and equitable process but also to be seen to be fair and equitable in their selections. I have also met with the Sport North officials and have indicated that there is a need for Sport North to be more aware of the situations in Nunavut. I have indicated to them that there is division taking place in 1999 and that they have to start preparing for this division and decide how it is that they are going to work with the area of Nunavut.

Once again, I would like to say that I do feel badly about this situation but there is really nothing I can do as Minister. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I understand that the government is one of the major sponsors of the Sport North activities that we all support. I also thank the Minister for recognizing the athletes from my riding. That's not the subject. The subject is not Coral Harbour, either. The subject is, is there a fair practice being made in selecting who should be in the Arctic Winter Games? My question to the Minister is, will he then intervene, using his good office, in finding out exactly what happened during the selection process for 1994, and report, in writing, to this House? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. First of all, I would like to point out that the contribution that this government makes is only 30 per cent of the funding that is used by Sport North Federation for the Arctic Winter Games. Our say in what goes on as far as Sport North is concerned, is probably worth that much, 30 per cent of the funding that is acquired by Sport North. However, I will find out in detail, if that is what the Member wishes, and in writing, the details of what did take place. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.