Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today I would like to speak to you about a concern of my constituents from Wrigley. As you know, Wrigley is situated on the Mackenzie River below the entrance of the Wrigley River. The Mackenzie is very swift flowing. For safety reasons, parents can’t let their children swim in the river and it is also too far a distance from the community to be monitored. Wrigley needs an above-ground swimming pool. The GNWT recognizes the importance of sports and recreation and the lack of activities for youth especially in our smaller communities. Recreational facilities such as an above-ground swimming pool can improve the overall health of the community. Everyone in the community can enjoy the swimming pool for swimming lessons, competitions and/or leisure. Wrigley does not have the ability to finance a pool with their capital formula dollars as there are more pressing needs in the community. The GNWT has programs for building above-ground pools in small communities that goes back 30 years, Mr. Speaker. Just recently, Tulita received a pool from such a program. I urge the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to consider providing Wrigley with an above-ground pool. This will greatly support a more active and healthy lifestyle for youth and residents of the community. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.