Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I hear the needs of my seniors in Nunakput communities I wonder if the government is taking them seriously or the status quo. The government must get serious about spending for our elders and seniors.
In Nunakput, the community of Ulukhaktok constituents have initiated and completed a petition to get this government committed to build a badly needed seniors facility. Caring for our elders and their well-being must be a pillar of this government. The community of Ulukhaktok elders really have no place to gather. They often gather in the hamlet, the Northern Store, or the restaurant. In addition to these severe shortages of facilities specifically for seniors housing and care.
Previously I expressed my community’s concerns with the growing cost of living that is eating away at disposable incomes, especially from our elders. I also expressed the growing concerns with the government’s reduction of services, projects for seniors during this session. We have heard government’s plan to strip benefits and services from seniors. What I find unfair is this government is not considering that in Nunakput the cost of living is 81 percent higher than Yellowknife. Even for such an enormous difference, the government continues to use formulas such as per capita, market conditions. This is wrong. Ulukhaktok needs an elders facility just as much as Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Hay River.
For as long as I can remember there’s always been talk about two different types of Northerners. There are ones from larger communities and ones from the smaller communities and economically disadvantaged communities. I challenge this government to bridge these together.
During my various leadership positions I will continue to try to improve the life of our elders. Things such as better quality and less expensive foods, better living conditions, facilities, and health care. I challenge this government to implement plans for real changes for real problems.
Lastly, I wish my colleagues an enjoyable spring and to all my Nunakput constituents, especially my good friend Patrick Joss.