Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to announce progress on plans for 1999, the International Year of Older Persons.
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe the year 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons. The theme it chose was Toward a Society for all Ages with the overall objective to promote the UN Principles for Older Persons: independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity.
In June, 1996, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Seniors agreed they would work cooperatively to develop partnerships with the private sector and seniors to market 1999 as the International Year for Older Persons. The Ministers proposed that a Canada Coordinating Committee, comprised of representatives from each jurisdiction be established to stimulate and coordinate national projects and activities.
A territorial coordinating committee has been spearheaded by the NWT Seniors' Society to assist in the planning and coordinating of activities for celebration of the International Year of Older Persons.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to encourage my colleagues to support the activities that will be forthcoming to celebrate the seniors of the Northwest Territories in 1999. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.