Sheryl Yakeleya

(audio) this has been my first year working in -- doing the job that I'm doing. And going through a lot of -- seeing a lot of things change, seeing a lot of things happen and not happen, the drugs are in our communities, they're devastating lives of our people, health care. I'm happy that we have the -- we passed a motion to allow medical escorts. Now I don't know how that's going to work out, but when it does work out people will be happy about that. We had some little wins. And I reiterate what a lot of my colleagues said, there were things that happened, we got some things, some things we...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Member's statement, can the Minister of Infrastructure say what the department's current plans are for the Merv Hardie Ferry. Thank you.

Well, she just answered two of my other questions. So well, in the event of an emergency, Mr. Speaker, such as a fire or flooding in the Deh Cho, I guess it's not useable so my question would be could the Merv Hardie be used for evacuation or other critical needs, however the Minister can answer that? Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I would like to wish my number one supporter a very Happy Birthday, my husband Norman. He's at home. Happy Birthday, Norman.

Today I'd like to talk about how climate change is impacting our important infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, last year, three of the government's four territorial-run ferries caused service disruptions because of mechanical issues and the timing of territorial and federal inspections. The Merv Hardie Ferry was retired in Fort Providence in 2012. It could be time to consider bringing the ferry back into services and creating more jobs in the...

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, given the increased concerns about drug-related exploitation of elders in our communities, can the Minister say what steps the department is taking to collaborate with law enforcement and social services to ensure elders' safety?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. These questions are to the Minister of health. Can the Minister say what specific measures the Department of Health and Social Services is taking to address the issue of elder abuse, particularly in relation to financial exploitation and neglect with our small communities? Mahsi.

Thank you. Can the Minister explain how the department is working with local organizations like the Dene Nation and other organizations for the prevention of abuse and family violence to ensure that elders receive the necessary support such as assistance with daily tasks and companionship. Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to talk about elder abuse. Mr. Speaker, too often elders are mistreated by the people responsible for their care. Rates of elder abuse increased during the pandemic. There were national reports of residents in care who had not been bathed in weeks, lack of pain treatment, and little or no turning of patients, and people going hungry. Now, there's an urgent need to improve the lives of elders in the healthcare system and at home across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, elders are our teachers. They carry traditional knowledge that we need to learn from. We must care...

If one were to open in, let's say, the Deh Cho going between Enterprise and Fort Providence, somewhere in between there, what support is provided to open up a visitor information centre? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Community -- visitor information centres, are communities encouraged to open up those up or do they just make the request themselves to ITI to get a visitor information centre in their communities? Thank you.