Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to speak about the need for a seniors' secretariat, which we are going to need in due time. Some earlier and some way, way, way later.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, what the seniors need is to have an access to government programs so that when they go to the government, they can get this type of service.

However, Mr. Speaker, right now, these programs are scattered across departments like MACA; Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; and the Housing Corporation. We know how, at times, we seem to get into the mode of playing ping pong, back and forth with departments. It is important for seniors to express their concerns and interest to government at a single point.

In other jurisdictions in Canada, Mr. Speaker, they have senior secretariats to provide a single entry point to government, so that they can respond to the elders' and the seniors' needs and issues. The secretariat can aid in finding solutions to either big or small problems that are presented by the seniors they serve. The most critical issue, I think, Mr. Speaker, is accessibility. Providing better access to government programs is an important rationale to hang the sale of point of entry to the secretariat.

The coordination of programs and services for seniors can help focus government policies on priority issues. Mr. Speaker, important priority areas include offsetting an increase of expenses that seniors is faced with as they get older. The rising costs for seniors are a great concern here in the Northwest Territories, especially because there are so many cases where seniors are living alone and depend on income support for daily living.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, addressing the need of our seniors and elders in the Northwest Territories requires this government to coordinate plans and programs for, and in partnership with, all the responsible departments. I believe that having a seniors' secretariat to turn to for support and direction could be a positive government initiative. They have to listen to, and be more responsive to, the concerns of the seniors. Mr. Speaker, I quote from the late Louie Taniton, from Deline: "We put you up there as an MLA. Don't forget us. Take us with you." Mahsi.

---Applause