Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that communities across the Northwest Territories need more adequate, suitable and affordable housing. The housing shortage affects people of all ages, but elders require our special attention.

Mr. Speaker, seniors want to stay in their own communities and live on their own for as long as possible. For this reason, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation have signed off the seniors' independent housing strategy.

The NWT Seniors' Advisory Council has provided valuable advice in the development of the strategy. This helped ensure that expressed needs of seniors were heard and given proper consideration.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to recognize the president of the NWT Seniors' Advisory Council, Mrs. Esther Braden, who has joined us in the gallery today. Also with her is Mr. Pete Fraser, a former Member of this House and the NWT/Yukon representative of the National Advisory Council on Aging; and, Ms. Barb Bond, the executive director of the Seniors' Advisory Council recognize them.

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I would ask you to the strategy includes the following elements: The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has committed $3 million in funding for this program in the 1996-97 fiscal year; once seniors' independent housing units are built, they become part of the community's overall social housing portfolio, but will be reserved for seniors only; the local housing organization will handle the allocation, administration, operation and maintenance of seniors' independent housing units in their community.

Mr. Speaker, the goal of this strategy is to help seniors keep their independence. The Department of Health and Social Services will ensure that links exist with other programs such as home care and homemakers' services.

Even with this commitment, it will take a number of years to address the shortage of housing for seniors. To ensure communities in the greatest need are served first, the Department of Health and Social Services has developed criteria to allocate seniors' independent housing units by community. Mr. Speaker, this strategy is a major component of a comprehensive program intended to provide a continuum of care for seniors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.