Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker...(English not provided)
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to send my condolences and prayers to the family of Adele Wedawin of Behchoko, a well-respected 95-year-old, who passed on this past Sunday. Our prayers are with the family, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to focus at the same time on the elders' situation in our community.
Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho Community Services Agency operates the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors' Home in Behchoko. It is a residential facility that accommodates eight elders whose needs are classified as level two and level three care. This means that, although they are considered to be somewhat independent and mobile on walkers or wheelchairs, they are still very fragile and require 24-hour medical care.
Mr. Speaker, from a regional perspective, the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors' Home is a facility that can accommodate elders from our five communities. Tlicho culture and traditions support that elders provide that ongoing sense of connectedness to our land and our language. Rather than having the elders removed from the Tlicho region, it is healthier for the elders, their families, and our communities to have the elders remain close to home.
Mr. Speaker, the facility was completed in 1986 and it's owned by NWT Housing Corporation, which is responsible for the maintenance of the building. There have been issues of groundwater accumulation, removal in the crawlspaces, the presence of mould in some areas of the facility, condensation in the roof structure, damaged flooring and deterioration of plumbing lines, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the groundwater accumulation and the condensation in the roof structure has contributed to dampness and mould in the building. The presence of mould in some of the rooms of the facility poses a huge concern for the community of Behchoko, especially the elders. Mahsi.
---Applause