Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've written letters to all Members of this Assembly and to a couple of other organizations requesting nominations be put forward for consideration as there are two board members that our government appoints to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. One of them, by by-law, has to be a senior government representative and the other individual is normally selected by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee with the two nominations that come forward from the department. After I receive interested nominees, then I'll be making a decision on that, and I anticipate that that will be done before the end of March. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

It's interesting that one of the appointments has to be a senior government representative. I assume when you say that, that could be any government representative or any government employee from any department. Or, does it have to be from the sport and recreation division of MACA?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my understanding that the individual who would be the government representative would have to be in the capacity of sport and recreation; a senior government official from that area. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. So that really limits the choices then that are available, and I think I disagree if that's one of the criteria. What other criteria will be the Minister be using to select the other position? If the criteria is already established for one of these positions, what criteria will the Minister be using to select the non-government appointment?

Mr. Ng.

I'll probably have to consider whether or not that individual was from the Inuvik area. No, I would consider whether or not the individual has a broad, general background in sports and what kind of community support and territorial support that individual would have and his qualifications. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It's nice that there will be some criteria, and, of course, I would prefer someone from the Inuvik region, but being a Member of this House and representing all residents of the north, I hope that everyone has an equal opportunity if they're capable. I'm just wondering again, what time frame are you looking at with soliciting nominations and then when are you going to consider making an appointment?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The nomination call letters have gone forward now, so I expect within the next couple of weeks that we'll receive them. As I stated earlier, prior to the end of March is when I anticipate making a decision. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.