Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, September 29th, I had the opportunity to attend the official opening of the MultiPlex arena in Yellowknife, and I would like to take this opportunity to speak, once again, about the need for this government to support recreation facilities in the city of Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, everyone knows that the capital city is experiencing rapid growth and it seems that our property taxes are on an upwards spiral, but our taxes are not enough to meet the demands being placed on our community infrastructure. The one area that is really falling victim to this, Mr. Speaker, is our sports and recreational facilities.
For the most part of the past winter months, Mr. Speaker, this city of 18,000 had to share one ice pad. A large part of this had to do with the lack of funding which made it necessary to extend the life of the old Gerry Murphy Arena as long as possible, until it had to be finally shut down before the new one could be built. We're very glad that the second ice pad now is operating and it has eased the burden somewhat, but the sad fact that is this is far from enough to meet the needs of our growing city.
Mr. Speaker, it has been brought to my attention that the city of Iqaluit -- and I've said this many times in the House before -- which has a population of under 10,000, has two ice pads. Yellowknife, on the other hand, with a population of 18,000, now only has two ice pads and even with the new ones it's not enough. We are in need of at least three ice pads for the population we serve, and this means we have no time to rest before we have to get the third one running.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the funding for recreational facilities is done by this government through block funding, but this gives no comfort to my constituents who can see with their eyes the irony of a young offenders facility going up side by side with a recreational facility that has had to go through such a struggle to raise money. I really believe it is high time that this government acknowledges it is falling behind the needs of this growing city, and that it cannot hide behind block funding when it comes to showing commitment for recreational facilities.
I might also add, Mr. Speaker, in light of the Minister's statement yesterday about a recreation and sports policy, I don't believe its enough to tinker with the lottery program and governance structure. I believe what is needed is commitment to the youth and more dollars. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause