Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A number of weeks ago I raised in this House the need for our government to develop a seniors charter that speaks to the dignity and care that our seniors rightly deserve. A seniors charter could be called by many names; perhaps a blueprint of our care, a manifesto of our stewardship, or even a statement of values and commitment by our politicians and government as to what we truly believe.
As the present, leaders of this Assembly, let us not forget we are the shepherds of our present and future generations, both young at heart and certainly young of age. As I stated a number of weeks ago, in 2006 the House of Commons adopted a similar concept for recognizing the importance of seniors through a seniors charter of Canada.
Seniors are an integral part of society as they are the pillars that have gotten us here today. Let us never forget that.
Clearly an NWT seniors charter, if adopted, would recognize older Northerners as creative, active, valued members of our society. As I stated earlier, it would serve as a mission statement and set up the government’s commitment and goals to their well-being, equality and certainly a standard of living.
The NWT seniors charter would also speak to such issues as income security, housing, wellness, health care, our commitment to stopping elders’ abuse, accessibility options for recreation, education and training, and timely access to government services. Those are only just a few.
Now, if that sounds familiar to some, I certainly think it should. Back on September 22, 2006, in fact, the NWT Seniors’ Society created their own Charter of Rights and Freedoms for Older Adults. That charter, drawn out for guidance, hangs in many seniors’ meeting rooms and long-term care facilities in the NWT. Later today I will be tabling a copy of that for the benefit of this House. At the time I should also mention that the board of directors got well enough to pass on this information to the responsible Minister of the day who took care of seniors. Like many great ideas, those calls for action and support have fallen deafeningly silent.
The information I researched on this particular issue is in the hands of the Minister for Seniors. What would be important here today is that our government, the Minister for Seniors be prepared to commit to work with our northern seniors and take the first step to develop an NWT seniors charter that would definitely recognize the valued contributions our seniors have made to our North and demonstrate that commitment by more than words but certainly be standing with them.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
