Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week I received letters from my constituents who are dismayed over the recent termination of the NWT ski division's head coach, Paul Skvaridlo. One of my constituents is concerned that removing Paul Skvaridlo at this time of the season when the Western Canadian Championships, the Arctic Winter Games and other seasonal competitions are in full swing, could be very damaging to the athletes in the various teams especially with these upcoming events.
My constituents are having a hard time understanding why Paul was fired when he was instrumental in achieving community participation. He promoted healthy lifestyles and a sense of achievement among our young people in the communities. He understands the needs of these small communities and has a genuine interest in helping our children improve their life chances by introducing them to skiing.
Mr. Speaker, for myself, I participated on the NWT Ski Team for five years and I believe through that achievement and the opportunity to ski for the Northwest Territories and represent the territories across Canada at the Canada Winter Games, the Arctic Winter Games and national championships, I believe was a real accomplishment to where I am today. Without the support and initiatives of the ski coaches we have had when we had people like the Firth twins representing Canada nationally at the Olympics. It is those people who give the young people the initiative to set goals and move forth with those challenges.
In concluding, Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote from my constituents, by saying "We want Paul to be the coach of the NWT Ski Team. Paul has done a great job and we are sure that the future of northern skiing, and, in particular, community involvement in the NWT Ski Program, will continue to grow with Paul at the helm." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause