Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of the House were asked to submit names of individuals deserving of a nomination to fill the vacant NWT director position on the Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC). I would like to thank those Members who did suggest individuals for this important volunteer position. In all, 11 people were nominated, making the final selection a challenge.
The Arctic Winter Games are governed by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, comprised of two directors each from the NWT, Yukon and Alaska and one each from Alberta and Greenland. The NWT nominates one of its members from the public at large and the second position is filled by a senior government official. In making a decision on our nominees for the public at large director position, factors such as experience, availability and willingness of each individual to volunteer their time were considered.
Mr. Speaker, after carefully considering the many fine candidates, I am pleased to advise Members that I have nominated to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, Mr. Don Sian of Iqaluit.
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Mr. Sian's nomination was forwarded to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee and ratified on May 31st. I will be pleased to distribute to Members later today a short biography of Mr. Sian. Members will see that he has the experience, skills and commitment required to represent the NWT effectively. As a resident of Iqaluit, Mr. Sian will provide valuable input from a Nunavut perspective in leading up to the creation of two new territories in 1999.
I would ask all Members to join me in congratulating Mr. Don Sian on his nomination to the AWGIC for appointment as an NWT director. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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