Frederick Blake Jr.

I would like to ask the Minister: what criteria does a community need to meet to trigger planned construction for a new seniors' home?

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize two of my constituents from Fort McPherson, Joanne Tetlichi and Perry Robert. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we know that our seniors want to stay in their homes and in their communities for as long as they can.

Elders want to maintain their independence. They also want to stay close to their family and friends, and to the places where they grew up and where they built their lives.

They also have knowledge and expertise to share, knowledge that they want to give back to their communities, to help the next generation learn and grow. Having to move to access suitable housing or long-term care can be frightening and stressful, particularly if you primarily speak your...

I would also like to ask: what other housing programs and services does the department offer to support Tsiigehtchic elders who want to say in their communities and the families who want to help support their elders?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. I would like to ask the Minister: how has the Housing Corporation tracked and evaluated seniors' housing needs in Tsiigehtchic to date? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the corporation needs to get the wheels turning, evaluating these needs and getting started on capital planning. A retirement home in Tsiigehtchic would keep families together, improve elders' local access to healthcare and support, create jobs from construction to operations to maintenance, and strengthen the community's cultural foundation. I will have questions for the Minister of the Housing Corporation later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the department look at a planning study to see, if there is a real need in the community, which areas, for elders in the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister McLeod.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Committee, any further questions or comments? Mr. O'Reilly.

Thank you, Mr. O’Reilly. Ms. Craig.