Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I think this motion we are talking about has been long outstanding, especially in the small, isolated communities where we heavily depend on elders' knowledge and wisdom. We, as a territorial government, need to recognize that there are essential needs and services that are required to do the day-to-day activities in the communities. When we visited the communities throughout the pre-budget consultation process and also our Social Programs tour of the communities, we've heard over and over during our public consultation or on the side conversation where elders are sometimes paid $100 compared to a consultant fee that is upwards of $1,000. There is a huge difference there, Mr. Speaker. I think we need to comprise. We are not saying pay the elders $1,000 a day, but we are saying be equal to what the consultants are getting paid for their expertise. We recognize elders as a PhD when it comes to traditional knowledge and sharing their wisdom, their bush skills. That's what they recognize.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope that this government will take this into consideration as a motion that's been put forward. This will satisfy a lot of elders. A lot of elders are reaching 70, 80 or 90 years of age and we still utilize their service to the full extent in the communities. The government programs and services have fully utilized these services, as well. It's time that we recognize their services as experts in their field of expertise. This is why we are presenting this motion to this House, so it's recognized and we should be paying equal or similar to what the consultants are being paid, Mr. Speaker. This will truly serve the service that they provide to us. It will be a bit more available. We are going to have more elders getting more involved in sharing their wisdom and knowledge to proceed even further in the cultural programs, language enhancement programs. What we are doing now will be further enhanced. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause