Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize that this week, our government has declared the week Senior Citizens' Week 2000.
On June 11th, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Yellowknife Seniors' Society barbeque. It hosted the third annual volunteer appreciation barbeque for volunteers of Meals on Wheels and Lunch with a Bunch. This barbeque recognized the efforts of people who work in our community with seniors.
I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, it was fortunate that I was there to hold up the side for the Assembly. Ms. Lee was in attendance flipping burgers, and managed to flip quite a few of them into the coals. I have never seen anybody burn burgers like Mr. Dent. It was fortunate that I was there.
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize the importance of seniors, but I think we have to become increasingly aware of the number of people who will be over the age of 65 in the coming years.
In 1999, in the Northwest Territories, there were 1690 people aged 65 plus. Our projections are that in 2019, that will explode to about 4400 people over the age of 65.
One trend, Mr. Speaker, that I think is reversing, is the trend of long-term Northerners retiring to the south. I know in my family, my parents used to spend summer vacations looking for property in the south. In recent years, I have noticed they are coming around and there is no way you can get them to retire out of Yellowknife or the Northwest Territories right now.
I think the government has recognized the importance of seniors, and I applaud them for appointing Mr. Steen as Minister responsible for Seniors. I would like to see them now take the initiative to expand the scope of this portfolio and look at seniors' housing, health care needs, palliative care. I think we are the only jurisdiction in Canada without our own palliative care legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge the government to continue in this direction. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the impact seniors have on all of our lives. Thank you.
-- Applause