Debates of May 17, 2007 (day 9)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. On June 15th, NWT seniors will recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which has the theme of My World, Your World, Our World, Free of Elder Abuse. Sadly, 80 percent of abuse or neglect of older adults goes unreported. Many NWT seniors feel isolated and alone, even when they have family visiting regularly.

Also next month, we will celebrate Seniors' Week from June 16th to June 27th. Seniors’ Week is an opportunity for us to take some time to recognize the importance of seniors in our northern communities. The theme this year, Seniors Helping Seniors, reflects how seniors work together to improve the lives of others by sharing experience and values.

These two themes go hand in hand. Seniors are often the only ones in a community who have the trust of other seniors, and they must help each other access the help they need. Because of their shared experience, seniors are often experts on issues such as the abuse of older adults.

Mr. Speaker, all of us should encourage seniors to talk with other seniors about their issues. We can help victims of abuse become aware they do not have to live with abuse or neglect. Knowing this can help empower victims to feel safe enough to report abuse to the proper authorities so seniors can be protected.

The wisdom of our seniors and elders is one of our greatest assets. No one should ever ignore abuse of older adults; we owe them a debt of gratitude that can only be paid when we stand up to protect their right to be free of violence.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of the NWT Seniors' Society, the Yellowknife Seniors' Society and the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors. These groups are good examples of seniors helping other seniors.

Our seniors work hard for their communities. Let us make sure they live their lives in peace and happiness, free from abuse. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause