Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Members of this Legislative Assembly have recommended that the GNWT take steps to improve the programs for our growing community of NWT seniors. The government responded to this recommendation by creating an interagency working group to conduct a technical review of existing GNWT programs and services and then consult with NWT seniors. This work has been completed and the result has been the creation of an action plan outlining activities that will occur over the next year to strengthen programs and services available to seniors.
The Seniors Action Plan was released on June 5th, during Seniors' Week, with the president of the NWT Seniors' Society, Mrs. Beatrice Campbell, in the company of seniors at the annual Seniors Social Tea.
The Seniors Action Plan represents a cooperative effort by GNWT departments, committing to work together and with the NWT Seniors' Society towards a common goal: "to improve programs and social supports for seniors." In this respect, Mr. Speaker, it represents a fundamental shift in how this government has been addressing seniors' issues.
The action plan was prepared following public consultations during the spring of 2001. Seniors voiced that they generally liked many features of programs and services currently offered by the GNWT. However, seniors expressed:• that they want improved coordination of services they need so they do not have to go to many different agencies to access them;• the importance of program integration so that different services worked well together to meet seniors' needs; and• that it is essential they have a voice in shaping government programs and policies that impact their lives.
Mr. Speaker, the action plan responds to these comments. It identifies ways to improve coordination of seniors' programs at the community level that include the investigation of:• single points of entry for all seniors' programs and services;• consolidating all toll-free lines for seniors; and• establishing coordinating committees for seniors.
The plan also identifies key program areas that require examination to ensure they are appropriately targeted. Specifically, the report describes actions that will result in the review of:• income assessment and financial assistance programs;• home heating and shelter benefits;• housing repair and maintenance;• independent living and housing programs;• continuing care programs; and• extended health benefits.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, this action plan formalizes an ongoing working relationship between the government and NWT seniors through:• a Seniors' Forum, to be held once during the term of each Assembly; and• a comprehensive review of seniors' programs and services during the term of each Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, as this House knows, I like to move issues forward and see tangible results in the short term. The majority of activities identified in the action plan will be completed by next summer. We have already begun work in cooperation with the NWT Seniors' Society in several of the areas described in the report.
Mr. Speaker, this work has reinforced our close and collaborative working relationship with the NWT Seniors' Society. The action plan builds on things we are doing right and makes adjustments to the areas that need improvement.
Our seniors deserve programs and services that will maintain and improve their quality of life, and so enrich our northern society and communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause