Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend, about 60 dedicated sports volunteers from many communities gathered in Yellowknife for the annual meeting of the Sport North Federation and its partner organizations from various regions and sectors in the territory. They represent some 25 sporting organizations that bring the views and interests of thousands of northerners to the table, Mr. Speaker. These people range from youngsters just getting started in organized competitive sport, to elite athletes who could be carrying Canada's flag in the future world Olympics.

Sport North is also the body that organizes and manages the NWT's participation in the Arctic Winter Games. They raise funds for this through the generosity of many corporate sponsors and the proceeds of the Western Canadian Lottery, as the licensed agent on behalf of this government. It is important to recognize the partnership that our government has with the Sport North Federation, Mr. Speaker, and not only for the Arctic Winter Games, but many other programs and services.

The organization is a tremendous example of our volunteers. The world of sport and recreation here in the NWT would be nothing without the hundreds of deeply committed coaches, officials and workers who give freely of their days and weeks, Mr. Speaker, every year in the communities. This is a volunteer body that is an incredibly important constituency to us all. It is one that we could never afford to replace. I believe that we are putting these people and their volunteer commitment at risk, Mr. Speaker. A major concern to them is the revamping of the sport and recreation system through the proposed new Sport and Recreation Council.

I want to compliment the Premier, Mr. Speaker, who, having just taken on the duties of Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, appeared before the annual general meeting this weekend. I think he was the first Minister, let alone Premier, to do that in the last three or four years, and he's to be complimented. But he heard very clearly that the sport volunteers just don't understand the problem that the government is trying to fix with this new governing body. They believe the government is imposing an answer to a problem which has yet to be clearly defined and substantiated. They ask whether a new organization will impose new costs and how their role as volunteers will be affected with the delivery of sport programming across the North. Above all, Mr. Speaker, they seek a degree of recognition and respect that at least matches their dedication to sport and healthy living in the North. Thank you.

---Applause