Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was delighted when an elders' facility was built in Iqaluit in the fall of 1991. This facility was designed by the NWT Housing Corporation with the full input of the Iqaluit elders' association and was located on prime land near the beach, church and shopping areas in town, with the help of town council. About a year ago, 12 elders moved into the independent units. They are very happy with the accommodation.

I rise today to express my concern that we have been unable, to date, to make arrangements to provide the necessary care for elders who would occupy the additional eight personal care units. In fact, two elders who have been on the waiting list for this facility have died in the past year while waiting for arrangements to be put in place. I realize the Department of Social Services has been making efforts to finalize the contract for the operation of these eight units. At first, it was hoped the town of Iqaluit would provide the service through their social services department, however, the significant benefits expected by the town for their employees far exceeded the department's budget. The project was therefore tendered earlier this year.

I was very pleased that an Inuit company from my constituency, Katujjijiit Senior Care Limited, whose president Ms. Leah Inutiq is in the House today, made a very impressive proposal to run this personal care facility at a lower cost than the town's proposal. I am sure all Members will agree it is critical that the staff understand and speak the language of the people they are caring for. I am sure all Members will support the principle that more northern companies should be

providing this kind of human service to our people in Iqaluit and other communities.

The company's proposal emphasized the training and employment of Inuit staff in a quality program. It emphasized quality care for the elders including daily recreation and exercise, community outings and contact with youth. The all Inuit staff would be trained in the initial period of the contract in care giving through a course offered at the Arctic College and other modules such as nutrition and St. John Ambulance courses. The staff would earn about $24,000 per year initially which is on the very low end of the wage scale in Iqaluit, with its very high living costs, and this wage includes only the basic statutory benefits such as unemployment insurance and vacation pay.

Mr. Speaker, I could run through this last couple of paragraphs, in my statement but I do not think I will do that. I think instead I will request unanimous consent to conclude.