Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about health and the well-being of people and residents of the Northwest Territories, especially in our small communities. Mr. Speaker, one of the most important activities in all of our communities, with the isolation and long winters, is possibly curling. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the community of Aklavik does not have a curling rink since the one they had has been condemned.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important, knowing that recreation probably plays one of the most important roles in our lives when it comes to health and well-being of our residents. In order to have healthy people, we need to have healthy bodies and healthy minds. I for one feel that it is essential that wherever possible, we support recreation facilities and the opportunities for people to compete, not only within our communities and within the regions, but also at the territorial level.
Mr. Speaker, sport is a fundamental aspect of all our lives, as children, as adults and even as elders. Elders still play an active role in regard to the curling activities that take place in our communities, such as community and family bonspiels. I feel it is essential that this government makes the effort in assisting the community of Aklavik by trying to meet their goals by allowing them an opportunity that most communities take for granted. It is important that we invest in the health and well-being of our communities, knowing that the cost of health and the social well-being of our communities has a lot to do with good health, good recreation activities and also good living.
Mr. Speaker, I for one feel that the community of Aklavik's request to this government to find ways to assist them in building a curling rink knowing that they feel left out, knowing that Fort McPherson, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk and other communities within the region have curling clubs and are actively participating in territorial and regional events.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of MACA questions in regard to supporting Aklavik's endeavours to get a curling club. Thank you.
-- Applause