Mr. Speaker, on May 23rd and 24th the Sport North Federation held its Annual General Meeting in Yellowknife. Representatives from 32 territorial sport organizations, along with recreation leaders from across the Northwest Territories attended the meeting.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the delegates made preparations for the future of Sport North. The delegates formed Nunavut and Western Caucuses. They discussed the future of Sport North for the Western Territory and the creation of Sport Nunavut for the Nunavut territory. The Western Caucus reviewed how Sport North is currently organized and considered recommendations for the future.
The Nunavut Caucus supported an interim constitution and bylaws, which form the working documents that will guide the creation of Sport Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut delegates elected an Interim board to work on incorporating the Sport Nunavut Federation as a society. The Interim board is expected to submit a draft Sport Nunavut proposal to the Interim Commissioner, to me and to the Nunavut Deputy Minister of Community Government, Housing and Transportation. Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, Sport North will continue to represent the territories until the founding Sport Nunavut meeting is held. Sport North will also work with the Interim board to ensure a smooth transition between the two sport organizations. Through the combined efforts of Sport North, the territorial sport organizations, community governments and MACA, more northerners are benefiting from sport programs than ever before.
Mr. Speaker, this will be an exciting year for all partners involved in sport across the territories. The challenge today is to continue the development of sport programs for our children and youth at the grassroots level, while preparing and planning for the future. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will continue its support by providing healthy lifestyle choices and recreation activities to all northern residents. We are committed to:
-providing the necessary sport and recreation facilities to communities,
-fostering the development of sport and recreation programs throughout the territories,
-assisting Sport North in carrying out its mandate, and
-helping to make Sport Nunavut a reality.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker