Vince McKay

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the funds that have been allocated in the budget are a commitment that this government is definitely interested in maintaining the funding levels for the sport in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, again, as I stated yesterday in the Committee of the Whole meeting, we have been doing a bunch of work on stabilizing the fund and trying to find a path forward, you know, on the funds that we're lacking. We have money in the budget this year for supporting the Arctic Winter Games. Also, we're continuing to review what some of the issues are. Some of the stuff is out of our control, I mean with the the ongoing use of online gambling is definitely impacting our -- you know, like the the Sports Select and stuff like that. So, like, there's organizations out...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A lot of work is being done on the Yellowknife airport strategic plan. There's been lots of public engagement, lots of work going on in the background. The department's been working with the Department of National Defence on use of the area and what they can expect, so a lot of that's been working hand-in-hand. So yeah, just in general, I guess there's a lot of work being done in the background to prepare the Yellowknife airport for what potentially could happen there with potential growth and work being done by the Department of National Defence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I could guarantee that that money, and then some, is going to be going to the travel and everything else at the Arctic Winter Games. So if we can get back to the Member, once the games are done and all expenses are out and you can see where all the money has gone, we can get all that information from Sport North and all the other organizations that might be dipping into my travel funds that go to the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It goes back to an old sports-related injury. Actually, so, basically, what it comes down to is we know that we've had some financial difficulties in the department with getting athletes to the games, travel costs, everything else, so, you know, I've got a few things going on also, so I've asked the department to take me off the list to travel there to help save money and hopefully use some of that money for the athletes and their travels. So some fiscal sustainability there. And also just to -- I will be attending the meetings, however, virtually, so there are meetings...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, yeah, we're looking into this. And I don't want to say we're studying it because I don't think that's the goal here. The goal is to move ahead as quick as possible so we don't lose out on the opportunities. However, I will say that I know Alberta just, you know, finalized a lot of their stuff, so we're not too far behind, and I hope we can catch up to them and maybe, you know, get some of that gaming legislation out there sooner rather than later. And, like I said, you know, the iGaming stuff is important, and I am happy the Member brought it up, and I am happy to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, so after our Committee of the Whole meeting, I think it would be important that we sit down and have a good discussion on what's going on at the airport in Yellowknife and talk about the proposed developments and the plans and also a little bit more information and dialogue regarding the revolving fund. I am more than interested in doing that, and we can let the department know when we get the invite. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, across the Northwest Territories, infrastructure projects are about much more than design, labour, and raw materials. These critical projects encompass new opportunities to build, protect, and connect the North that benefits the whole Northwest Territories.

I am proud that the Government of the Northwest Territories is collaborating more closely than ever before with Indigenous governments and working together to set priorities, design projects, and help build infrastructure across the territory. This work is grounded in respect, partnership, and shared commitment to building...

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. Maybe I will ask the director to answer this question. Thank you.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. So we don't work directly with the schools. The regional coordinators may be working with the schools, but essentially the schools would be the ones applying for the programs or applying for funding. Thank you, Mr. Chair.