YELLOWKNIFE (January 21, 2015) – Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Robert C. McLeod met with Northwest Territories (NWT) sport and recreation non-government organizations January 10-11 to discuss future plans and opportunities. Discussions included a review of current priorities and how MACA can support the sector. These discussions will contribute to the development of recommendations for consideration by the 18th Legislative Assembly.

“I was very pleased with the commitment and dedication shown by all of the delegates and the quality of discussion,” said Minister McLeod. “I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to support sport and recreation in the NWT.”

Members of the Legislative Assembly Wendy Bisaro (Frame Lake) and Alfred Moses (Inuvik – Boot Lake) also participated in the meetings.

Delivering robust sport and recreation programming in the NWT requires a cooperative effort on the part of many different organizations. Ensuring all groups are able to meet and voice ideas and concerns is an important step in maintaining strong partnerships.

A proceedings report will be prepared by MACA for further discussion with the participating organizations and for submission for review with the 18th Legislative Assembly.

Providing opportunities for all NWT residents to participate in sport and recreation programming adds to the 17th Assembly’s goal of building sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.

Quotes from partner organizations:

NWT Sport and Recreation Council (SRC) Chair Bridget Larocque said, “With the vision of a healthy and vibrant North, the SRC supports the need for progressive change in the sport and recreation sector, and change that will see the most effective use of financial resources to combat social issues and physical barriers.”

Sport North President Maureen Miller said, “The discussions over the state of Sport and Recreation and the future direction were very encouraging for the Federation. It is apparent for our meetings that all the sport and recreation organizations have a vested interest in improving the health and well-being of all the people, of all ages, across the territory and are looking for ways to work together to achieve this.”

Aboriginal Sport Circle Executive Director Greg Hopf said, “We were pleased at the discussions with all of the sport/recreation organizations and government on areas where we all share success but also areas in the sector where we need to improve.  We look forward to working with all sport organizations and governments to address these areas and ultimately reach those in need of healthy and vibrant programs for their communities.”

NWT Recreation and Parks Executive Director Geoff Ray said, “This was a good opportunity to share ideas and outline priorities with the Minister. We are looking forward to working with him and the department on our shared goals.”

Mackenzie Recreation Association Chair Ms. Roslyn Firth said, “The Mackenzie Recreation Association is very pleased to work within the partnership of such enthusiastic volunteers and professionals in the NWT.  We are excited about the possibility of hosting the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Yellowknife and recognize the benefits that it will bring to all of the residents of the NWT.  Our meetings this weekend were engaging and collaborative, and we look forward to further dialogue, planning and action in the sport and recreation sector.”

Beaufort Delta Sahtu Recreation Association Executive Director Theresa Ross said, “We were pleased with the outcomes of the meeting with the Minister. We believe working together in a cooperative environment with all of our sport and recreation partners will help us all achieve our common goals that will benefit people in the NWT.”

 Media inquiries:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca