Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would once again like to talk about the Great Elders Facility in Fort Resolution. I have raised this issue in the House more than once. I have asked questions about this facility, but with all my efforts it seems the community and the department are still not able to find a workable solution that satisfies both. This is an ideal facility that has potential to provide very valuable and much needed service to the community of elders.
Mr. Speaker, from reviewing the responses from the Minister to my questions asked previously in the House, from listening to concerns of the chief and council in Fort Resolution and from many conversations I’ve had with elders, I believe I may have an understanding of what seems to be the problem. It boils down to a difference of cultures. One culture is concerned with accountability and all that is associated with it. This culture allows itself and its actions to be governed by the ideals of accountability. Included in this is a complex set of policies, legislation, liabilities, regulations and certification, with varying degrees of accountabilities and authorities. The other culture is concerned with caring and all that is associated with it. Included in this is the simple notion of somehow, some way, we’ll get it done. Elders care is one such example.
Unfortunately, the kind of elders care I am talking about is not recognized by the department. The care of community elders by grandchildren, family and friends does not fit into the regimented structure of the department. What has to happen is the department has to realize that the communities are the ones best suited to develop and deliver the service and programming for what is needed. The department needs to be flexible with its approaches, and the department needs to seriously re-evaluate the value it places on exploring community based solutions.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the department must exercise its creative side in this matter and not hold steadfast to regimented policies, legislation, regulations that may very....
Mr. Beaulieu, your time for your Member’s statement has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I believe the department must exercise its creative side in this matter and not hold steadfast to regimented policies, legislation, regulations that may work very well elsewhere but not for a small community of 500 in Fort Resolution.
I may have questions for the Minister later on today.
Thank you Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
