Mahsi, my colleagues and thank you, Madam Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories then, will need timely advice and input from seniors and elders on how these initiatives will affect them. Secondly, the Government of the Northwest Territories as we know it will no longer exist at the turn of the century.

Division, aboriginal self-government initiatives and transfer of responsibility and delivery of programs and services to community and regional governments will mean major changes in the way in which seniors and elders interact with their governments. These initiatives will hopefully improve the quality of life for all northern residents including seniors and elders who are major users of these programs and services.

Thirdly, there are a number of current and ongoing initiatives which could have significant implications, including the need for more social housing, violence and abuse of the elderly, health care benefits for aboriginal and non-aboriginal seniors and facility care for the frail seniors. The governments need constructive and coordinated advice on these issues from a senior's perspective.

Fourthly, while we may well be into the information age, the Government of the Northwest Territories needs to take steps to coordinate its approach to providing information to seniors and elders and process these inquiries.

Madam Speaker, the elders have also made many suggestions to the government and I hope they take these very seriously and assist our elders and seniors wherever they can. Mahsi.