Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity today to recognize the good work that a number of seniors are doing in the Northwest Territories on behalf of all seniors. They are being excellent advocates and they are the NWT Seniors' Society, Mr. Speaker.

I know this week in the House, Bea Campbell was in attendance. She's the president of the society. Lloyd Bruins is the past-president, and the other directors are Alvin Armstrong, Jim Villeneuve, Helen Gruben, Laura Lennie, the late Bill Lafferty, and Chris Williams. I think they're doing fine work, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of seniors. It's this kind of advocacy work that I think has lead to the fact that we now every year celebrate the significant contributions of seniors and elders with an official week proclaimed Senior Citizen's Week. Mr. Speaker, the work and contributions of our seniors is continuing to grow in the North through local seniors' groups and societies, such as the one I've mentioned, and also the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors who are doing a lot of good work in this area, as well, Mr. Speaker.

I don't know if the House is aware, but between 1998 and 2018, it's estimated that there will be a 134 percent increase in the number of NWT seniors. Another note to mention, Mr. Speaker, in September 2004, coming up, our NWT Seniors' Society plans to have teams formed to compete at the Canada Senior Games being held in Whitehorse. Lots of fun events. I think they're hoping to have teams compete in bowling, golf, bridge, horseshoes and darts.

Mr. Speaker, Barb Hood, the executive director of the society, sent me an e-mail and she wished to make sure that we recognized the efforts of Mr. Miltenberger on behalf of seniors. She said that he and his office commissioned a review of seniors' programs and services in 2000-2001, held a number of community consultations and, following that, Mr. Speaker, there was a release of the seniors' action plan that had 28 recommendations. I understand 20 of them have now been completed and there are ongoing efforts to deal with the rest. They would like to say that with the support they have received they've been linked to the Department of Health and Social Services and many other government departments so that their good work can continue.

So on behalf of the Seniors' Society, I'd like to recognize the work of Mr. Miltenberger. Thank you.

---Applause