Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On May 1, 2018, I had the opportunity to visit the community of Sambaa K'e, and the topic of renovations to the school and a needed community gym was brought to my attention. I was advised that the community had a public meeting to discuss the design and outline of the school expansion with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of Infrastructure. The band council raised the concern that the wastewater location would block the future expansion of the community gym. They were advised that the architects would come back with other options for discussions, but this did not happen. Now, the contractor is placing the wastewater in that location, which will impede any future gym expansion.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Sambaa K'e is the only community in the Nahendeh riding that does not have a full-sized gym. The facility of what's called a community gym is not even close to being a gym. From my personal experience, and in reality, it should be called a large meeting room. Marking on floors does not make it a gym. The facility is too small for children to play in. As you are aware, it is very important that children need to have physical activity as part of their learning process; as well, provide physical activity opportunities that help improves their health. Currently, there are 26 students from kindergarten to grade 9 at Charles Tetcho School.

Mr. Speaker, the community needs to have a gym that will be part of the community for its growth plan. The younger generation are very active in sports. Over the last two years, the students have been fundraising and going to soccer at regional and territorial events. However, it is very difficult for them to practise in this area because of the size.

Mr. Speaker, they've tried to be active. They offer daily after school programs six days out of the week. Unfortunately, due to the size, they are not able to offer quality programs to all students. As well, it is my understanding that older youth access the facility for physical activity. Some of these students get hurt because it's too small. Due to this factor, Charles Tetcho School has to take students outside for physical activity, but this limits the number of times they can have PE.

The community needs a community gym, as the new generations are active and want to make positive, healthy lifestyle choices. The community and I are looking for the department and the government to step up and help build a much-needed gym. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions later today for the Minister of Culture, Education and Employment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.