Mr. Speaker, this government has made the commitment through its mandate to support the RCMP and communities in their efforts to strengthen partnerships to prevent and respond to violence. The annual policing priorities which I set for the RCMP support this work. As in previous years, the priorities for 201617 continue to focus on the need for policing plans to be developed collaboratively by the RCMP with each community in the Northwest Territories. The priorities now go further and direct the RCMP to also have action plans for each community which will assist with targeting and bringing together resources from multiple sources. The majority of communities have identified stopping drugs and bootlegging activities as a priority. The mutual trust gained from building the community action plans has resulted in the support the police need in order to see results. Mr. Speaker, in April and March alone, the RCMP stopped almost 235 litres of alcohol from illegal distribution in seven communities. Also in April, there were several stops of vehicles outside of Fort Providence resulting in arrests and the seizures of large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, and liquid codeine. Information from these arrests led to a significant seizure in Yellowknife where 1300 fentanyl pills and four kilograms of cocaine along with other drugs and over $80,000 in cash were successfully taken off the streets. Additionally, this year’s priorities outline for the RCMP to continue to advance communitybased solutions to change behaviours with youth, and change attitudes towards family violence. They do not do their work alone. Community justice committees made up of volunteers from within the community and coordinated by the coordinator positions funded by the community justice and community policing division play a significant role in this partnership, and ultimately, the safety of our citizens. We are on the right track with the RCMP 201617 priorities. I applaud the work of the RCMP and the Department of Justice over the past years to enhance the quality of life in our communities. I look forward to continued progress this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers’ statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Colleagues and visitors in the gallery are wearing purple to promote awareness of this important day, and I’d like to recognize the significant amount of purple in the building today. Mr. Speaker, our work towards eliminating elder abuse is done in partnership with the NWT Seniors’ Society and the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults. I would encourage all Members to read the Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults: a Five Year Strategy for the Northwest Territories, 2015 to 2020, prepared by the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults. This strategy focuses on four priorities with eight principles that all contribute to the elimination of elder abuse. I look forward to following the strategy as it takes shape over the next four years.
Mr. Speaker, elder abuse can come in many forms including financial, emotional, physical neglect, and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, these types of abuse are too common in our communities. The NWT Seniors’ Society Information Line data shows that of the 152 calls they responded to in 201516, three were related to senior safety and 21 calls were related to elder abuse. Elders have the right to be safe and healthy in their own homes and in their communities. They also have the right to make decisions about their money, belongings, and the care they would like to receive. We have been working with the NWT Seniors’ Society to develop screening tools to detect situations of abuse of older adults. Over the coming months, we will be piloting the use of these tools in our programs as a concrete action toward supporting improved detection of situations of abuse by frontline providers. If you are an elder who is being abused, talk with a trusted friend or a family member. If you are an older person who is being abused, ask privately if you need help. Help is also available from the RCMP and other professionals in your community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage anyone who witnesses elder abuse to call the Family Violence Crisis Line at 18662237775, or the Seniors’ Information Line at 18006610878. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I, too, rise. As I mentioned earlier in this sitting June is Senior Citizens’ Month in the Northwest Territories. As part of that, today, June 15th, as previously mentioned, is another special occasion for our seniors and elders. The United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 66/127 designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This represents the one day of the year for the whole world to voice its opposition and resistance to the abuse and suffering that is too often inflicted upon our elders. Mr. Speaker, the world’s population is aging, and in the near future, the numbers of elders will begin to surpass those of young people. As that trend continues, the problem of elder abuse becomes a greater issue affecting more and more of the population. World Health Organization data indicates that between four and six per cent of elders around the world suffer some sort of abuse, a large part of which goes in reported.
Senior Citizens’ Month is a time to set aside for all of us to recognize and honour the seniors and elders in our communities. On this day, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, gatherings and events will be happening across the globe to raise awareness and opposition to abuse of elders. In the Northwest Territories, we can make a difference in our own communities by celebrating and honouring our elders to make sure that those elders are safe, secure, and protected. Mr. Speaker, as I shared in my previous statement on seniors, I am sure each of us has had the occasion to be grateful and appreciative of an elder in our life, whether it’s a lesson we were taught, a skill that was passed down, a language or value practice that was gifted to us. For each of us, our seniors and elders have offered us the gifts, knowledge, and values that make us who we are today. The lives lived by our elders created the foundation for the world in which we now live. Their legacy and gift to us is that we live in a free and prosperous country that many call the best country in the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone in this Assembly and all residents of the Northwest Territories to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by celebrating, respecting, and thanking our elders for their contributions to our world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Nunakput.
Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will also speak on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mr. Speaker, with my colleagues, I would like to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, first launched ten years ago by the United Nations. This is not only a matter of public health and human rights, Mr. Speaker. Our actions and attitudes will shape the territory that our residents age in. As set out in the government’s mandate, we will make sure that the elders and seniors get the care and support they need. That includes developing communitybased supports for aging in place, building a territorial and regulatory framework for longterm care, expanding longterm care and palliativecare options, and building more senior support independent living units will help the Northwest Territories make sure that our elders and seniors get the care and support that they need. But those are not enough, Mr. Speaker. Aging in place will help elders and seniors remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, but our own attitudes and actions also have a role to play alongside government programs, and the people of the Northwest Territories must continue to build communities that bring together people of all ages. We all have a role to play in our communities, Mr. Speaker, and as younger people, we have the responsibility to respect our elders, to care for our elders, and learn from them, and to speak out against elder abuse. That can mean speaking out against individual cases, Mr. Speaker, but it can also mean taking preventative action, making sure elder abuse doesn’t happen in the first place, by working with each other and through the program set out in the government’s mandate to foster strong, healthy families and strong, healthy communities. Thank you to the elders who continue to guide us. You are the foundation of who we are today. God bless each and every one of you. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, most of us love and respect the elders in our lives, yet abuse of this vulnerable and growing population is a problem in the NWT and all across the country. Almost threequarters of older adults surveyed in the NWT in 2010 and then again in 2015 see abuse of themselves or their peers as a problem in their community. What is abuse in this context? The World Health Organization says it’s a single or repeated act or a lack of appropriate action occurring with any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm and distress to an older person. It’s a sad fact that all across Canada elders are most likely to be victimized by those who are closest to them, namely, their own adult children. Elder abuse can take many forms, but financial abuse and neglect are the most common forms here in the NWT. It’s important to note that overcrowded houses, poverty, and the legacy of residential school experience can make matters worse here. The end result of any and all abuse is the same. It compromises the dignity, independence, health, and security of elders. It diminishes and frightens them. It’s not what any of us want for our parents or for ourselves. The information I’ve quoted here comes from the report the Minister mentioned, Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults. It was completed by the NWT Network to prevent the abuse of older adults in November last year. The network has created a fiveyear strategic plan to make seniors safe in their own homes and communities. There are 20 recommendations in four areas to accomplish this vision. We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse and creating safe, secure, and caring communities. Naming and speaking out about the abuse of older adults is one of the first steps to prevent it, and that’s what today is all about. As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we have a special role to play. We can advocate for continued data collection so that we better understand the problem, and we can use this information to respond to the abuse of older adults in both policy and legislation. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Seniors. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It has been a great opportunity to be more aware of events and special days that occur throughout the year. This past week was one of these times. Today, I as well will be speaking about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mr. Speaker, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is marked each year on June 15th as an official United Nation International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as the public health and human rights issue. Since 2006, communities have used this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse by sharing information about abuse and neglect, and promoting resources and services that can help increase seniors’ safety and wellbeing. Abuse of elders remains a private matter, and unfortunately, it is wellhidden from the public view. Mr. Speaker, elder abuse is a universal problem. It is prevalent everywhere. Abuse can occur anywhere by anyone, but is frequently, it is family that abuses their elders. Raising awareness and prevention of elder abuse requires the involvement of everyone. Public education and awareness are important elements in preventing abuse and neglect. The aim of such effort is to inform the public about the various types of abuse, how to identify the signs, and the symptoms of abuse where help can be obtained. As important as this day is, I believe that we must respect our elders, as they are our future and our past and our foundation of where we are today. Mr. Speaker, today in Fort Simpson, the health promotion unit is working with Bompas Elementary School to promote awareness to the youth. After the presentation, they are planning to walk over to the longterm care facility to have tea with the elders. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to see this happening in my community. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to stress that we need to respect our elders, take the time to speak with them, and most importantly, listen to their wise advice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June 15th is world elder abuse day, and I want to spend some time today to discuss this issue that affects one of the most vulnerable communities in the North and the world. It is a natural part of our heritage as Northerners to show reverence for our elders. Northerners respect the long journey older adults have taken through their lives. Elders are the stewards of our history, culture, and traditions, raising a family sometimes beyond just your children, and growing up in a world where Twitter was only something that actual birds did. Elders in the North have certainly earned our respect. During the campaign, I was not wellversed on the issue of elder abuse. Since then, I have taken my time to learn more about this: reading, research, taking a firsthand look at Avens, a community for seniors, and most importantly, listening to what our elders have to say on the issue. What I have heard is that we can all do our part to end abuse against older adults. Nearly 25 per cent of our society is quickly reaching the later stages of life. It is important we remain vigilant against those who would attempt to exploit our elders. In 2007, Statistics Canada reported that the overall rate of policereported violence against seniors increased by 20 per cent between 1999 and 2005. Though our elders are the least likely demographic to be victims of violent crime, what’s truly disturbing is that the largest group of those who commit violence against our elders were adult children or a current or former spouse. To put it more bluntly, Mr. Speaker, the ones who should be assuring the safety of our seniors the most, those they love unconditionally, are the ones putting them into unsafe situations. This is just plain wrong. Mr. Speaker, here in the NWT, our Seniors’ Society back in 2010 took it upon themselves to do something about the ever growing instances of abuse. Starting with the Making Connections: Building Networks Symposium, from the information gathered there and other workshops, they established the NWT Network to Prevent the Abuse of Older Adults. The network now has over 55 members throughout the NWT who are committed older adult advocates who work to achieve reduction, prevention, and ultimate eradication of the abuse of older adults. I applaud this organization’s good work, and am proud to see a grassroots network of seniors come together to address this issue for those elders affected by abuse. Mr. Speaker, we are their children and their grandchildren. Let’s all do our part to protect the security and dignity of older adults. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m making a Member's statement on housing, but I’d like to acknowledge the Seniors’ Society. Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to speak on the NWT Housing Corporation and their definition of core need. In general, core need for housing is identified as a household that has one or more of any of the main ingredients that form core need. Adequacy, in general, is a house that requires a retrofit; or suitability is when there are too many people sharing bedrooms; and affordability is when the family spends more than 30 per cent of their household income on utilities, land tax or lease, rent, or mortgage. I disagree with the NWT Housing Corporation’s definition of core need. I believe that in order for a household to be in core need, it must have either an adequacy and/or suitability problem and must have an affordability issue. If the household has an adequacy or a suitability problem, but the household is bringing in an income where it is not spending 30 per cent of their income to house themselves, they should not be considered in core need. As is the same for a household that has an adequately suitable house but cannot afford the operating and maintenance, can afford to spend less than 30 per cent of their income, then they should not be considered in core need. I believe the NWT Housing Corporation must change what core need means. If it does not change, then most anyone that hires a person that has an affordability issue, would be essentially taking that person out of core need, or if an individual that’s considered in core need has an affordability issue was to go to income support and apply for income and they would take themselves out of core need. I believe that core need is an NWT Housing Corporation issue and that with the current definition, any of the departments that hire people or any of the departments that are able to give income to an individual can take people out of core need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I also want to recognize the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I recall attending an NWT Seniors’ Society presentation where the chair had mentioned, “to know the future, you first have to know the past.” I thought that was quite a unique statement and I still recall that presentation. Elders are the pillars of our small communities and also our large communities and for the whole NWT for that matter. Earlier I was very encouraged by the presentation of our health Minister on the long-term care plan, a 10-year plan that includes all the communities and without a plan and I was thinking, Mr. Speaker, here without a plan, we really have no idea where we’re going. It goes back to the chairman’s statement of the Seniors’ Society. I really was encouraged by the plan of our long-term care which includes clients of our elder’s community. I applaud the department for developing that plan. Now, we’ve got a prosperous future and targets and objectives to seek towards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
[English translation] He shared the story in the 1980’s in the book of elders. Hey, it’s okay. I’ve provided copies to my colleagues and translation as I understand it is on channel three.
Joseph Sabourin was born in the autumn of 1920 around Kakisa. My father sent me to mission school for four years but I didn’t learn much. When he died my mother moved into a house in town. I left school and stayed with her. I was 12. We had no traps so we were given five. There used to be a lot of foxes where the airport is now, so my mother sent me to set the trap there, with fish heads for bait. I set the trap on the bank. When the fox was caught, it rolled down onto the ice and got away with the trap. My mother was real mad and wouldn’t give me another. Instead she made me a snare with heavy wire from the store. I tried again, but my hands were so cold I didn’t set it right. I did catch a fox and it got away, with the snare. Eventually though I did get one and it was worth $35. My mother could now buy sugar, tea, and tobacco at the store. I was hoping and hoping that she would buy me some candy but all she said was, “since this is your first animal, give some tea, sugar and tobacco to the old people. Then you will have good luck in the future.” I didn’t get a cent. I guess she was right though, because I’m still alive today. My mother died when I was 14, so I lived with other families. One man didn’t have any children of his own so he asked me to live with him and his wife and he said he would treat me as his own son. He taught me how to track a moose and we always went hunting in the summer. I have travelled all over on foot. Tathlina Lake is a big lake and I’m sure my footprints are all around it. I love living in the bush, especially at Redknife. It can be grim when it’s cold and you have caught no fish, but if you kill a moose, then you rejoice. My happiest time of my life was raising my family in the bush. We had to move into town so the children could attend school. Since that time it has become harder and harder for us to return to our way of life. Life on the land is now considered to be of little value but I would rather live in the bush than have a job. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation ends]
Masi. I’m always encouraged to hear one of the official languages in the House. Masi for that. Members’ statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2016 Relay for Life kicked off in the Northwest Territories last Friday, June 10th. What is Relay for Life? Whether you are cheering on survivors, walking the track, passing the baton to your teammates, or joining in the exciting activities, Relay for Life is more than just a cancer walk, Mr. Speaker. It’s a journey. Relay for Life is supporting everyone in your life who has been affected by cancer. Mr. Speaker, I’m very proud to announce that one of my communities in the Mackenzie Delta riding, Fort McPherson participated in this very important event. I want to add that Fort McPherson was the only community besides Yellowknife and Hay River to have registered teams. The two teams registered with a total of 31 participants, Mr. Speaker. During this 12-hour walk which began at 7:00 in the evening until 7:00 in the morning, a total of nine cancer survivors came out and participated in the historic walk. Throughout the night, an average of one hundred community supporters joined the walkers, giving them strength to complete another lap. To go the distance, to make a difference for their families and friends with cancer. The organizer for this event in Fort McPherson was Janice Wolchuk. The 13-year cancer survivor and our grade three and four teacher at Chief Julius School. She introduced this event to her community and for sure this will be an annual event that Fort McPherson will participate in. Along with Janice, many of our local teachers helped raise awareness and contributed to fundraising efforts. The staff at the Charles Koe building in Fort McPherson also contributed. Alexander Neyando helped coordinate the event and assisted Janice with logistics. Congratulations to the registered teams from Yellowknife and Hay River for giving hope, strength, and courage to all cancer survivors… Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. And especially for inspiring our small communities to participate. Mr. Speaker, our community of Fort McPherson raised a total of $11,649.95. Thank you. Please join me in congratulating the community of Fort McPherson on a job well done. Mahsi cho.
Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. O’Reilly on February 22, 2016, regarding Bathurst caribou management. The Government of the Northwest Territories, or GNWT, acknowledges the hardships experienced by communities who are unable to partake in caribou harvesting activities and is working very hard in collaboration with partners to put actions, plans and processes in place to support the recovery of the herd on a number of fronts. Restricting harvest is not the only management action that is being taken to address the status of the Bathurst herd nor is it one that is applied lightly; however, in terms of relative impact on the herd it is one of the key management levers we have to reduce impacts on the herd. Developing approaches to habitat protection is a long-term endeavor necessitating the engagement of many parties. Environment and Natural Resources, or ENR, has been involved in a few initiatives to advance habitat protection and to protect caribou from disturbance during sensitive time periods. One is the involvement in the Nunavut Land Use planning process. ENR is a registered participant in the Nunavut Planning Commission, or NPC, process for developing a Nunavut Land Use Plan. The GNWT has put forward the position that industrial activity of any type, including mineral exploration and production, construction of roads, pipelines and other infrastructure, should not be permitted in the calving areas. NPC is attempting to build consensus on approaches for habitat and disturbance management through a combination of tools such as conservation areas, as well as seasonal and locational restrictions on development activities. Another initiative to protect habitat is range planning. ENR, with the support from the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Lands, is working towards the development of a range plan for the Bathurst caribou herd. This plan is being undertaken by a working group of 21 partners including the Tlicho Government, Wek’eezhii Renewable Resources Board, other Aboriginal organizations, industry, and environmental non-governmental organizations.
The range plan will be a guidance document for use by wildlife management authorities, including the government, in making recommendations on habitat management issues such as conservation areas, acceptable levels of disturbance on the range and seasonal or mobile caribou conservation measures. It is scheduled for completion in March 2018 and will apply across the historic range of the Bathurst herd. Actions related to individual projects are typically addressed through environmental assessments, the regulatory permitting process and through the development, implementation and review of wildlife management and monitoring plans for proposed and existing developments. Specifically, ENR remains engaged in a review process of proposed developments within the Bathurst range in the NWT and Nunavut to ensure that possible effects on the Bathurst herd are duly considered and mitigated where possible. For projects in the NWT, ENR is in the process of developing guidelines for industry to support development of wildlife management and monitoring plans which are now be required for operations that may cause significant disturbance to wildlife or habitat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Colleagues, I’d like to draw your attention to the public in the gallery, more specifically, a former Member, Samuel Gargan is here with us. Welcome.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Seniors’ Society began as an organization in 1983 when a group of seniors got together and began working with the government to provide services for seniors as well as older adults. Today, the NWT Seniors’ Society and its advisory council continue to work with all levels of government to keep us apprised of issues of importance to seniors. For the past 18 years, the advisory council has worked tirelessly to prevent the abuse of older adults by creating awareness and providing education and information sessions to ensure everyone understands the impact of elders, families and communities. The NWT Seniors’ Society feels that its advisory council is its greatest asset. Please join me in welcoming these dedicated people in the House today. Leon Peterson, Ann Firth-Jones, Beatrice Campbell, Merlyn Williams, Jeanna Graham, Florence Barnaby, Elizabeth Kunnizzie, Mavis Klause, Sarah Anderson, Sam Gargan, Carol Robertson, Joyce Williams, Yvonne Quick, and I’d also like to welcome Michelle Mulder and Martha MacLellan of the Alzheimer’s Society of the Alberta and Northwest Territories and Stephen Jackson, the CEO of Avens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome an elder and also an interpreter who is sitting behind me. Ms. Annie Goose from Ulukhaktok, as well up in the gallery my great auntie, constituent and respected elder, Sarah Anderson from Tuktoyaktuk and Elizabeth Kunnizzie from Inuvik and the rest of the elders who are here, welcome.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, me too, I’d like to recognize members of the Northwest Territories Seniors’ Society. In particular, I’d like to recognize the mayor of Fort Providence, also at the same time, a former MLA, chief, speaker, Mr. Sam Gargan. Also, at the same time, another member of the Northwest Territories Seniors’ Society, Jeanna Graham, from my constituency of the K’atlodeeche First Nation, who is on the band council as well and a constituent of mine too. Masi.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South.
I have quite a few people in the gallery today. Maxime Gauthier, Sheldon Whitlock, Donna Lee and Reagan Jungkind, and Ms. Ann Firth, and Myrtle Graham, my CA, and also the NWT Seniors’ Society. Thank you.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.
