Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Monday, October 3rd, I had the pleasure of being part of the grand opening of a supported independent living complex for seniors in Fort Liard with Minister Cochrane, Minister Abernethy, and Minister Moses, Chief Harry Deneron, Metis President Ernie McLeod, and the Mayor, Steven Steeves. Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation worked collaboratively with the Department of Health and Social Services and consulted with the elders in the community to develop a building that supports seniors to age in place and in their communities.
Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to say that we had more than 40 people attend the official grand opening of the building. The previous weeks saw the building have a soft opening, with over 75 residents attend this event. The residents of Fort Liard are very proud of this new facility in their community. Mr. Speaker, this building is very warm and welcoming. It has a gathering area with nine units. One is for a caretaker and his wife; six units for seniors without challenges; and two units that are built and accessible for people who have wheelchairs.
Mr. Speaker, the biggest thing for me is making sure we're not moving seniors away from their families, friends, and also they are our past, which is our foundation, our tradition, and they need to stay in our communities. Mr. Speaker, it is about giving the elders and seniors the dignity to live in an environment they are familiar with. They have earned it. Another great thing about this project is its built-in caretaker unit, which will ensure that the building is safe and secure. This has given an employment opportunity to someone in the community, which is very important.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased with this investment and this priority of the government. This centre supports our elders in remaining here in Fort Liard and near their friends and families. I can only hope that the Minister and the Housing Corporation have plans to build smaller, five-bedroom units, a variation of this unit, in smaller communities in the NWT to continue to support one of the mandates of the 18th Legislative Assembly, supporting elders to age in place. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.