Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recognition of our theme day on seniors, I would like to highlight the work done by the NWT Seniors’ Society.
This non-profit organization established in 1983 is the only volunteer agency representing the interests of all seniors in the Northwest Territories and a resource for any of our residents aged 60 and over. Its mission is to ensure dignity, independence, participation, fairness and security for our elders within our communities. The society’s goals include effectively dealing with elder abuse, promoting healthy lifestyles, involving elders in the preservation of Aboriginal languages, and lobbying to integrate more seniors’ issues and perspectives into school curriculum.
The NWT Seniors’ Society wants to reach out to the community to narrow the generation gap and give the younger population a better understanding of seniors’ issues. Low literacy issues among elders, as well as the loss of language and cultural wisdom are serious issues.
Tobacco, drug, alcohol and gambling addictions are problems for seniors whether personally or among their relatives. Family violence, elder abuse, effects of crime and feeling safe in one’s home and community are constant concerns for many northern elders.
As a person’s mobility decreases, some people become very isolated. In larger centres we like to think that this is less of an issue, but just because we don’t see these people doesn’t mean that they’re not there. Seniors living on fixed incomes struggle to make ends meet when cost of living increases are not reflected in their benefits.
The NWT Seniors’ Society encourages us, the government, to rethink all or nothing subsidy policies. We create inequality among our people when someone only $1 above the income threshold cannot collect the benefits that someone else does if their income is just $1 below. There is inconsistency between communities and housing standards for seniors. The services offered in Yellowknife are not a clear reflection of what is available to elders in the Territory as a whole.
The NWT Seniors’ Society is doing its part to address these issues by encouraging seniors to become more proactive and supportive of the individuals and communities and to mentor youth. Mr. Speaker, more and more people are choosing to stay in the North after they retire. Many of the North’s finest volunteers are among our elderly population. Our seniors are a dynamic group that can offer a wealth of wisdom, insight and experience. I’d like to applaud the NWT Seniors’ Society’s efforts to provide them with the dignity, independence, security and opportunities they deserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
