Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last couple of weeks I have raised issues in regards to the Joe Greenland Centre, the closure of the long-term care side of the facility. Mr. Speaker, I am still getting calls from a lot of the residents of Aklavik and especially concerns of their loved ones, and more importantly, the elders, and also what is going to happen to them.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important as government that we relay the message that there is a transition taking place, but more importantly, what is going to change.
Mr. Speaker, we have to improve the quality of life for our seniors no matter where they live, identify specialized programs to allow more independent services to meet the needs of our elders and the aging population. Those would include personal care, use of handicapped devices and finding the supports they need in regards to ensuring the seniors can live a long time yet in their home communities by being provided the physical and mental services that other people receive in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, we also have to ensure that we do have programs in the communities like respite care, having the caregivers utilize these programs and services in our communities ensuring that we utilize all government programs and services throughout the Northwest Territories regardless if it is Meals on Wheels or ensuring that we have home support services for those elders who need the assistance regardless of their disability, their age or their mobility, to be able to take advantage of different programs and services ensuring that they are independent and that the safety and health of the individuals are taken care of.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the government has to do more to ensure that we are offering programs and services to communities such as Aklavik in light of the closure of the long-term care facility in the Joe Greenland Centre. I would like to give some assurance in the government with a motion passed here in the House, and what type of investments are we going to make as a government to ensure that those elders in the Joe Greenland Centre who basically have been relocated or have to be relocated will continue to be given supports in their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services on where the government is going on this matter. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
