Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am told in Yellowknife today we have 22 very special visitors, joining eight of Yellowknife's most respected residents to take part in the 2003 Seniors' Forum. Many of these seniors are directors of the NWT Seniors' Society. Mr. Speaker, they're gathering for the next couple of days to talk about progress on the Seniors' Action Plan released last June. Seniors have built our communities and have made important contributions to where we are today, in social and economic development. Seniors are among the most experienced group of individuals from whom we can seek advice. I congratulate them on their continuing efforts to improve northern community life.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT Seniors' Society can celebrate many accomplishments since their establishment in 1983. Over the years, the society has worked in partnership with other seniors' societies and with government and related organizations to improve the independence and quality of life for seniors in the NWT. They have been working for more than 20 years with the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors and other agencies to improve care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's and other related dementia. Mr. Speaker, seniors, those over 50, are the fastest growing segment in the NWT population. We number 6,000 of the NWT population of 43,000. Unfortunately, at least eight percent of us can expect to become afflicted with Alzheimer's.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Social Services has contributed $50,000 in planning funds towards the YACC's proposal for an Alzheimer's and related dementia care facility. The NWT Housing Corporation has offered a contribution of $1 million to provide additional housing, but this doesn't include operating funds.
Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that we will continue to hear recommendations as that we develop a facility, or more likely several facilities throughout the Territories that deals with Alzheimer's and related dementia. Bringing seniors together to hear from them is a good start. Now we need to listen. Mr. Speaker, it's critical that the government plan to put real dollars towards the care of individuals who have been the cornerstone in the way this territory was developed. We owe them a reasonable level of care. Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish them success on their meetings in Yellowknife over the next couple of days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause