Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak on behalf of a constituent of mine who supports two children who are in elite sports programs. Just last year they spent $10,000 for the training expenses, including the airfares and the programs they have to attend for their swimming training in the south. Just last year they spent $10,000 and they have been doing it every year. They are not able to access any sports programs to help them with this cost.

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, the Members in this House have been focusing their attention on the sports and recreation policy and I commend the Minister for circulating a discussion paper not too long ago. I have had a chance to take a look at it and it covers a lot of issues, but it does not really have any allocations for elite athletes.

I realize, Mr. Speaker, that the funds are limited and that we have a lot of need in this area. We need to support athletes at all levels. We should also respect those who work hard, really hard, to support their children to develop their talent to a maximum.

I would just like to ask the Minister to revisit or add to his discussion item a possible support program for elite athletes. As well, I would like to take this opportunity to give notice to the Minister of Finance, who I know is working on restructuring our income tax program, if there could be any possibility for tax deductions for those with low disposable incomes for families with elite athletes who have to incur extra expenses where they may be able to claim these as income tax deductions.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I would like to give notice to the government that this is an issue I will be pursuing in the days and months to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.