The department will be looking at a number of different jurisdictions. I can’t say off the top of my head whether they’re going to look at that one, but given that they are one of the leading jurisdictions, I can say for sure that certainly after today they will be.
Part of the process here is to make sure that people are aware of elder abuse, and I think our amazing partners like the NWT Seniors’ Society is doing amazing work to create awareness. But I do have to acknowledge that there is no consistent policy currently directing staff regarding the prevention, detection and response to elder abuse here in the Northwest Territories.
In 2012-2013 the department worked really closely with the NWT Seniors’ Society to conduct a significant amount of research into national best practices, guidelines and policies for front-line workers in response to this exact topic, adult or senior abuse. As a part of the work to support this implementation of a new continuing care standard, which is going to go a long way to addressing some of this, the department and the NWT Seniors’ Society are looking to develop territorial policies and guidelines for health and social services providers and employees to respond when they suspect or witness elder abuse. Work is happening in this and we are continuing to look at other jurisdictions for additional best practices to make sure that what we put in place is effective here in the Northwest Territories. But at the same time, if you see it, report it.