Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can I ask for clarification? Is the Member referring to regional reorganization?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, there has been an internal committee of the department which has drafted some terms of reference about some possible changes to the functional make-up of the department. At this stage, that report has gone forward to the other senior management committee members of the department and it is the intent of the department, once it comes back to me, to develop a consultation paper which will go forward to municipalities, the NWT Association of Municipalities, MLAs and other concerned parties to get their feedback into what the department is proposing in restructuring the department. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, it was recognized in our headquarters reorganization that there is the lack of a communications strategy. In looking at the next phase of the reorganization of the department, we are developing a communications strategy and outlining a consultation process for concerned parties.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Sport And Recreation

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There have been numerous applications that have come forward and the take-up has been a lot more than anticipated. Currently, there is an application before the department for 224 individuals to attend the North American Indigenous Games originally totalling $125,796. However, in looking at the total amount of applications that came in, there were a few dual applications, particularly for juvenile volleyball. It doesn't make sense to send two teams down, so it is suggested there be a playdown of those two teams to eliminate one of the funding applications. Or, they could combine a team if they chose to.

Also, there was a request from senior athletes and the department has considered not allowing them to be eligible because the games focus on the younger participants. So taking that into account, the total applications that would be eligible would be approximately $106,605. Originally, the department had put aside $50,000 for this event, but we have decided, in recognizing the importance of the event and the games, to find it within the department to fund all applications, if they go forward. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The intent of the department is to provide uniforms at cost to the athletes attending the North American Indigenous Games. Thank you.