Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of seniors, I am pleased to announce that the United Nations has designated 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons. Its purpose is to foster international awareness of the importance of seniors' role in society and the need for inter-generational respect and support.
To create awareness and to launch this special year, October 1, 1998 has been declared the International Day of Older Persons across Canada. Canada's seniors population is among the fastest growing in the world. The International year of Older Persons is an opportunity for Canadians to think about these demographic changes and how we can respond to them as a society. The International Year of Older Persons also provides an opportunity to recognize and benefit from seniors' talents, energies, life experiences and contributions to society.
Canada's theme for the 1999 International Year of Older Persons is "Canada, A Society for All Ages". The theme was developed by representatives of the federal, provincial and territorial governments in consultation with seniors and seniors organizations. The theme highlights the importance of inter-generational dialogue and cooperation on seniors issues, the need to involve seniors in decisions, and the recognition that seniors play an important and beneficial role in Canadian society.
Mr. Speaker, a Northwest Territories/Nunavut coordinating committee was formed in 1997 to liaise with all northern communities in celebrating the International Year of Older Persons. The committee consists of the following individuals.
Commissioner Helen Maksagak, Honorary Chairperson; Bishop Jack Sperry, NWT representative for Canada's co-ordinating committee; Mrs. Esther Braden and Ms. Geraldine MacLean co-chairpersons; and members Mrs. Barbara Bromley; Ms. Jan Stirling; Mr. Wally Maduke; Ms. Marie Ernerk; Ms. June Van Dine Arden; Mr. Art Sorensen; Mr. Eric Nielsen; Ms. Judy Langford; Ms. Dianne Mercredi; and Ms. Rosemary Cairns.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of these individuals for work already done and work that they are about to embark on.
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Mr. Speaker, the International Year of Older Persons is a special year to honour all the elders of the Northwest Territories, to develop ways of working with and for elders in our communities and to recognize what they have done and are still doing for all of us. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services recognizes the valuable contributions of our seniors and have taken steps to ensure that our programs are efficient and effective in supporting seniors living in their communities.
The Department of Health and Social Services, along with other departments that deliver programs to seniors, work together to ensure that the principles of independence, program sustainability, equity and access for all residents of the NWT includes our seniors. Mr. Speaker, we know that one way to improve the quality of life for seniors is by providing health and social services closer to home.
In supporting seniors to live in their home communities and in their own homes, the Government of the Northwest Territories has undertaken a number of initiatives, including;
Providing funding to communities to deliver home care;
developing and printing a brochure called "Programs and Services for NWT Seniors";
implementing, in conjunction with the NWT Seniors Society a 1 - 800 NWT seniors information line; and
continuing the construction of independent housing units for seniors.
In our strategic plan document, Shaping Our Future, the Department of Health and Social Services has confirmed its commitment to developing strong social supports for seniors through the increased involvement of family and community in developing appropriate health, social and cultural programs. We will continue to work together in partnership with the Seniors Advisory Council and government departments to involve seniors in the program design and evaluation to be sure the basic needs of seniors are met. I am sure that with the efforts of all involved the International Year of Older Persons will turn out to be a great year in the Northwest Territories, in Nunavut and in the new Western Territory.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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