Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Support for Territorial Dementia Facility
Members of the committee look forward to the opening of the territorial dementia facility in Yellowknife. This is a welcome addition to the spectrum of services available in the North, and will keep families closer to their loved ones in a safe, caring environment.
Assisted-Living Facility in Hay River
There are many Northerners in southern Canada living in assisted-living situations far from their families and home communities. The Department of Health and Social Services spends a significant amount every year in meeting the needs of these residents. It’s important to note that these costs are increasing yearly, and that the point has been reached where it makes economic sense to deliver more of this programming in the North.
While it still may be marginally cheaper to contract with southern operators of assisted-living facilities, the fact is that once this money is paid out to these contractors, no net benefit to the NWT economy occurs. By basing these services in the NWT, the wages paid to employees and the money spent on obtaining local services and products will at least contribute to the economy of Hay River.
As a committee, we look forward to the opening of this new facility and hope that it may serve as a template for the development of facilities and services for northern residents who may require assistance in meeting their day-to-day living arrangements. Members also look forward to families being able to reintegrate themselves into the lives of family members who will be repatriated from southern Canada. That’s the end of opening comments.