Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on behalf of senior citizens of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, these valued members of our society are having a very difficult time financially, especially in the more remote communities. I am told by Mrs. Esther Braden, president of the Northwest Territories Seniors' Society, that the subject of high cost of living for seniors is discussed at every meeting of the Northwest Territories Seniors' Advisory Council, and that representatives of my constituency -- Mr. Abe Okpik of Iqaluit; Mr. Mariano Aupilardjuk of Rankin Inlet; and, Mr. George Porter of Gjoa Haven -- all have spoken eloquently of the difficult situation being faced by the seniors in their communities, where often they are expected to try to support members of their extended families as well.

I am pleased that Mrs. Braden is in the Assembly today.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories pays a monthly supplement on the monthly old-age pension cheque which comes from the Government of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories seniors' supplement amounts to $135 per month today. That amount was last increased from $125 in November 1992. Since November 1992, Mr. Speaker, the consumer price index for Yellowknife has gone up by seven per cent. Although it is not measured in my riding, I believe that the cost of living has gone up much higher than seven per cent in the last three and a half years in Pangnirtung, Broughton Island and Clyde River. We do know that the isolated post allowance paid to federal employees working in Pangnirtung, Broughton Island or Clyde River, which is based on the cost of living differences between Yellowknife and those communities, is 27 per cent higher in my riding.

Mr. Speaker, I was very encouraged when the Minister of Finance, Honourable John Todd, stated in this Assembly on December 14, 1995 ... Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.