...currently funded by the GNWT Department of Health and Social Services.

Mr. Speaker, the goal of the respite services is to provide safe individual lives and flexible respite support to

families, as well as offer children and adults with disabilities more opportunities for inclusion in community activities.

It is an essential support service that provides planned relief for parents, families and the people with disabilities that they care for. Such relief is necessary in order to decrease burnout, stress and family breakdown. It also helps families provide the best possible support and care to their loved ones with disabilities, and it ensures that people with disabilities experience a high quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, I have long been a supporter of this program and I was very happy to see it get started over a year ago. It has been in service since December 2003, and I understand that currently there are 15 families in Yellowknife who are able to access this, but there are about 11 families who are on a waiting list.

Mr. Speaker, I need to quote a letter from a constituent of mine, who said, "The respite services have greatly enriched the lives of my family members. It is difficult to imagine returning to life without this invaluable service. Our respite worker was matched with my family, based on our specific needs, goals and preferences. I feel confident leaving my loved one with our highly-trained and caring respite worker."

As a single parent of a special needs child, Mr. Speaker, he says that he couldn't really have a normal life without this kind of service. I would just like to join my constituent in thanking the Department of Health and Social Services and the Yellowknife Association for Community Living for providing this service. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Minister to not only maintain the service, but to expand it so those on the waiting list could access it and that this program is made available in other communities as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause