Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide some feedback on the recreation, sports, physical activity and physical literacy policy that is presently being looked at by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Like everybody in the system, I'm a strong supporter that this policy needs to be developed so that we have a policy that is made for Northerners.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage the department to take a more inclusive approach to developing this policy. Policy needs to be drafted by consulting the sport partners, the communities, recreation and sport organizations within the communities and schools. As well, the department has to include GNWT policies such as the poverty action plan and the mandate of the 18th Assembly in this policy.
Mr. Speaker, I understand the importance of linking it to the national policies and framework, but this policy needs to build on the strengths of the sport and recreation sector and the hard work that is being done in the communities and at the regional and territorial associations/organizations. Mr. Speaker, this policy needs to make sure that it includes those outcomes and goals that are linked to our desired outcomes and actions. I firmly believe a good policy will help us prevent the issues we are facing today.
It is my understanding the department is working on a physical activity strategy in isolation of others who work in the field. It has been brought to my attention that various associations in the sport and recreation world are not happy with this development. They are concerned that creating another strategy could and would overlap the current policies and create more confusion on the goals, strategies and rules in the future.
Mr. Speaker, the physical activity strategy needs to be included in one policy that addresses the sport, recreation, physical literacy and physical activity components for the Northwest Territories. It has been strongly recommended that this process include consultation with all partners who have a vested interest this policy. I firmly believe that a new policy that includes all of these areas would be responsive and valuable policy that will guide the work of the department and all organizations for years to come. Later on I'll have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs about this policy and the Western Canada lottery program funding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.