Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as noted by the honourable Member from Kam Lake yesterday, our Government Operations Committee public hearing drew a large crowd. The committee is reviewing the Western Canada Lottery Act, seeking ways to avoid losing money to federal taxation. I think we can all agree that we need to keep northern dollars here, in the North.
However, the purpose of the review needed to be communicated better. Some misunderstood and thought the whole lottery act was up for review. Many of them wanted to propose that lottery funding should be directed to the arts, but it turned out that was not on the agenda. What was clear is that the public debate about arts versus sports continues, and I wonder if it has to.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot walk into a store these days without a sports team wanting to sell me a raffle ticket or pack my groceries. They come to my house and pick up the cans and bottles. Heck, they even help distribute my Yellowknife North newsletter. It is great to see teams so proactive, working and raising money to travel and compete. I remember well my days of doing the same.
No doubt sports and recreation have a tremendous impact on society. The upcoming Arctic Winter Games and Olympics show the results of our investments in youth and sport. I am also a beneficiary. My own introduction to sports was through school and local recreation programs. I was fortunate that it allowed me to compete at fairly high levels in curling and golf. Mr. Speaker, everyone appreciates that we have built up a significant force in sports and recreation. We certainly do not want to compromise that in any way. It would be a shame if we did.
However, Mr. Speaker, art is all around us. In my riding alone, one can see the impact of artistic creativity, whether it is in the architecture of Latham Island homes, the art galleries strewn about Old Town, the murals that adorn every garbage can, power box, and building. Then, of course, there are the world class events like Long John Jamboree, the Snow King Festival, and Ramble and Ride. Each puts on its own display of creativity. The arts clearly have an impact on our day-to-day lives. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted