Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recently received the annual report from the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors. This association was formed in 1983 by a group of citizens concerned about issues facing seniors. Their mission statement is "Building the support of communities for the health of seniors." Mr. Speaker, over the past 17 years, the association has provided a range of good programs and services in support of seniors. They have found sources of funding that help to build much needed facilities such as the Aven senior's home and the Baker Community Centre.
With seniors being the fastest growing segment of the Northwest Territories population, the association's board stresses in this report that a coordinated plan is necessary to address the issues facing seniors across the North.
Mr. Speaker, our government has recognized the need for a Minister responsible for seniors and it has appointed one. However, Mr. Speaker, he has no budget. Depending on which programs or services are required, right now, seniors may have to deal with either the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation or local health and social services boards.
It is time, Mr. Speaker, for this government to develop a long-term plan that is coordinated at the territorial level to address issues facing seniors. The Minister responsible for Seniors should be tasked with bringing different government departments together to ensure that seniors enjoy a one-window approach to services.
Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors and other seniors' organizations across the Northwest Territories cannot achieve their goals by working alone. We owe it to our seniors. We must develop a coordinated approach that provides programs and services for the maximum benefit of all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.