Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 29/02) - It's too early to attach any specifics to a draft national policy on sports endorsed by ministers from Nunavut and the NWT.

But some groups are already reaching for a slice of the pie.

Representatives from every province and territory met the Canadian Sport Policy with Secretary of State for Amateur Sport Paul DeVillers in Iqaluit April 6 and 7.

A result of a year of consultations across the country, the policy has four goals: enhanced participation, excellence, capacity and interaction.

Across the country, securing funding for sport will require shifting money from other government priorities like education and health.

"It's a battle," said DeVillers. "But we have to believe that if we can get our populations more physically active they're going to be in better physical health and there are going to be dividends down the road."

Because the policy is still a draft, Nunavut has no plans for implementation.

Ann Barteaux, director of Sport Nunavut, said the document will help the territory create its own strategy. "It's like having a rule book to follow," she said. "It ensures consistency and fairness and broad-based programming."

Public consultations are planned in Nunavut, although no dates or locations have been set.

Iqaluit senior administrative officer Rick Butler said his city hasn't yet looked into the policy. But is interested in "any way to get some more support dollars into our coffers."

However, the policy may never bring more money North.

Currently, Sports Canada has at is disposal $70 million, distributed in three envelopes: one for national sports organizations, one for elite athletes and another for hosting international competitions.

That means small communities without membership in national organizations are not eligible.

DeVillers said he will ask for more money, but warned that "we may be tilting at windmills."

The policy highlights 22 priorities for the next three years, including increasing the participation of women, persons with a disability and aboriginals, physical activities in schools, better sport and recreation facilities and an ethics strategy.

A final version will be released May 1