Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Social Services has agreed to a one-time contribution to the Rick Hansen Foundation...
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... in the amount of $100,000 to be disbursed in annual amounts of $20,000 over five years. This money will assist people with spinal cord injuries and persons with disabilities.
The Rick Hansen Foundation helps people with spinal cord injuries to have equal opportunities, and lead active and healthy lives.
In May, the Premier and the former Minister of Health and Social Services met with Mr. Hansen to discuss the needs for persons with disabilities, and Mr. Hansen shared some of his personal highlights. The meetings were successful. It was agreed that the Rick Hansen Foundation would work with the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities to ensure the GNWT contribution will be spent in the NWT. A "Solutions Team" of volunteers will work with the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities to allocate the $20,000 per year based on NWT proposals.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities, will continue to work at improving services for persons with disabilities. Partnerships with NGOs, such as the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Rick Hansen Foundation, are integral to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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