Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a few days ago I made a statement about how the communities of Detah and Ndilo are often overlooked for funding because they are next to Yellowknife. I would like to expand on that a little bit.
Mr. Speaker, recreation is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle and the GNWT is one of the partners in promoting active living. It is common sense that recreation is a positive way to fill leisure time. It is a great example as opposed to hanging around on alcohol and drugs. A super example of this is the young people from Rae-Edzo. With the guidance of a dedicated coach, they have focused their energies on soccer and they are now travelling to Europe. They dominate the soccer tournaments they take part in. This athletic ability has transferred over to basketball, as evidenced in the tournament that they participated in here in Yellowknife last weekend.
Mr. Speaker, the teenagers and young people of Ndilo and Detah need the same opportunity. They do not have adequate recreation facilities. They do have a community hall, of course, for meetings, recreation, and other community activities, but there is not enough space. I must admit that it is better than nothing, but most communities in the NWT have a skating rink, which makes sense with our long winters. It is great for skating, hockey, speed skating, broom ball. There is a lot of opportunities for all ages and interests. Unfortunately, Detah and Ndilo do not have a rink.
Most people cannot afford to use the facilities in Yellowknife. This is due to transportation costs and most people cannot afford to have a vehicle. User fees, of course, are exorbitant and the Arctic Winter Games, mere pipe dreams, Mr. Speaker. A rink would give the youth another way to focus their energies, a gathering place and a way to promote good health. Mr. Speaker, the youth in Ndilo and Detah need the same opportunities as those in other small communities across the north. They should not be penalized for being next door to the city of Yellowknife. Thank you.