Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that we can all agree on the importance of elders and seniors in our communities and the importance of respecting our elders. We can show our respect in many different ways. We learn from the traditional knowledge and wisdom of our elders. We recognize their lessons about the land and its history. In our homes and in our families, we celebrate the role of grandparents, aunts, uncles and other role models in raising our children.

But today some of our seniors are at risk. Today I want to talk about the Deh Gah Gotie Senior Citizens Home in Fort Providence.

Community leaders have come to me with concerns about security and safety at this facility. I’ve been told that the RCMP don’t always respond to calls, and even the daytime staff and the nighttime live-in caregiver. These security issues are still affecting the health and safety of residents.

The band has been working with the government to address these problems. Over the holidays the band organized volunteers to visit with the residents and make sure they were not being bothered.

I’m looking forward to these issues being addressed in meetings between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the RCMP. I’m also looking forward to the planned renovations of the Deh Gah Gotie Senior Citizens Home, to make sure our seniors have the quality care, support and housing that they deserve. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.