Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, because of the situation in Ukraine, Yamale wasn't going to be hosting the games. So the international committee came to the Northwest Territories to see if we could move up our request. We're supposed to be doing the 2028 games.
So, Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct that the NWT has considered hosting these games in Yellowknife, and I can confirm that the GNWT has communicated to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee that it's not proceeding with hosting the Arctic Winter Games in 2026. We're not moving up in the schedule. MACA has provided information to the city about the benefits of hosting, including the budget from previous host societies and economic and social benefit studies that the Arctic Winter Games International Committee has commissioned over the years. Ultimately, the decision was the City of Yellowknife's to make, and I respect their decision. While this is a difficult decision, no successful Arctic Winter Games has ever happened without enthusiastic and committed community governments. While we were not successful with the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, I remain supportive of these games, and I know that the Arctic Winter Games International Committee has continued to clarify the future hosting rotation of the Arctic Winter Games, including when the NWT next to be considered.
Again, Mr. Speaker, we're working together on it. They asked us to move it up. We worked with the City of Yellowknife to see if we can host it. They came back and said they couldn't with the parameters that we were asking for. So 2028 Arctic Winter Games is supposed to be scheduled for the Northwest Territories, and that's what we're looking forward to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.