Thank you.

The definition of "recreation"

In both written and oral submissions, witnesses raised their concern that "recreation" is not defined in the bill. When questioned about this, Minister Cochrane indicated that MACA is looking to the members of the Northwest Territories sport and recreation organizations to define what "recreation" encompasses in an upcoming engagement exercise. When questioned about the possibility of including representatives of the arts community in this discussion, Minister Cochrane replied that she was not willing to entertain this request.

Witnesses expressed their profound disappointment at this response by the Minister. "This move," in the words of one witness "seems blatantly biased in the favour of the established and well-supported sports groups, which benefit directly from their secured and relatively stable funding, and close ties to the GNWT."

With respect to the issue of the definition of recreation, one written submission pointed out a definition would provide some clarity for sports organizations as to their ability to access this funding, and it would also help to clarify which types of sports-related activities are eligible for funding.

No erosion of sports funding

A number of witnesses indicated their preference that the Western Canada Lottery proceeds continue to be used solely for the continued funding for sports and recreation pursuits. They stressed the degree to which the sporting activities already rely on the tireless efforts of volunteers. They also expressed concern about their ability to continue to deliver the existing range of sport and recreation activities, presently offered across the Northwest Territories in the event that funding is reduced by being split between the arts and sports and recreation activities.

Mutual support from both communities

Committee feels compelled to acknowledge the overwhelming support that advocates for both the sport and recreation and arts communities expressed for one another. Regret was expressed by witnesses that the circumstances of Bill 1 appeared to split these two communities against one another. Committee agrees that this is unfortunate and should not be of the case. Overall, committee observed that representatives of each community had respect and admiration for the goals and aspirations of the other, and that both acknowledged vital benefits that sport and recreation and the arts provide to the people of the Northwest Territories.

At this point, I will pass it on to the honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli. Mahsi.