Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have stated in this House many times that I have worked closely with the Hay River Seniors' Society since being an elected almost three years ago. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to address a program administered by the NWT Housing Corporation. That being the Senior Citizens Home Repair Program.

Mr. Speaker, the Senior Citizens Home Repair Program is a program that provides financial assistance to seniors who own and occupy their own homes. The forgivable loan of up to $20,000 is to be used to repair or improve the condition of the client's home in order to make their home safer and enables seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle.

My problem with this project, Mr. Speaker, is that it is not offered to all seniors. Like most government programs, there is an income threshold in effect. A senior cannot qualify for this program if their household income is above $37,500 and this, Mr. Speaker, is a combined household income. Mr. Speaker, this government has spoken volumes about how our elders are one of our most precious resources and how much we value our elders. Well, Mr. Speaker, apparently we value seniors as long as they have not saved too much money for their golden years.

Mr. Speaker, I have stood up in this House on many occasions and criticized other government departments for the income thresholds they have in place as a prerequisite for their programs. I have always, Mr. Speaker, advocated for a sliding scale on government programs whereby if a person is over the income threshold they might not receive 100 percent of the program benefit but they could still receive a slightly reduced amount.

Mr. Speaker, seniors aged 60 and over represent approximately 6 percent of our population and in 20 years this figure is expected to double. Mr. Speaker, the economic spending power of seniors is something this government cannot afford to ignore.

Mr. Speaker, in June of 2000 the Legislative Assembly passed a motion recommending that the GNWT undertake a review of all programs and services offered to seniors in the NWT. As a result, Mr. Speaker, it was determined that seniors programs and services exist in a complex service environment and government departments have varying eligibility criteria which is confusing for seniors.

Mr. Speaker, our society encourages individuals to be productive and to go out and earn a living to provide for their families. Our seniors have saved...