Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Today I would like to talk about how we are going to help the elders. That's what I'm going to talk about. NWT Seniors’ society, the way they had written to us, the elders that are living in their home. That way, they can stay out of the old folks' home, and stuff like that. That's what I'm going to talk about. [Translation ends]

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Seniors' Society recently wrote a letter to raise their concerns and questions about the state of homecare services in the Northwest Territories. In their letter, the society states their wish to warn MLAs, other government officials and bureaucrats, as well as the general public, that the goal of enabling older adults to age in place, to remain in their homes and in their communities as they age cannot be realized unless we recognize and act upon enhanced home care as a serious priority.

Mr. Speaker, the government must put money into enhanced home care if they are to make a difference in home care services available to older adults. This makes good social sense, Mr. Speaker, and also makes good financial sense. More money in home care today will result in huge savings today and in the future. For instance, we know that the Department of Health and Social Services wants to make serious inroads into the prevention and management of chronic disease in the Northwest Territories over the next 20 years. A strong, well-funded, quality home care program can help accomplish that, resulting in happier and healthier seniors.

Mr. Speaker, increased home care spending is one of the strategic spending methods that I've emphasized in this Assembly. Home care, along with the NWT Housing Corporation's program designed to extend seniors' ability to live comfortably and safely in their homes, will empower seniors to age in place. To get there, though, the department must work with other groups, including groups like the NWT Senior's Society, as well as other GNWT departments and agencies, to enhance available services.

Home care and the management of chronic disease go hand in hand. The department has developed a chronic disease management strategy, but this strategy cannot be delivered effectively without the delivery of necessary, strong, well-funded home care.

Mr. Speaker, far too often the burden of caring for seniors falls to the spouse, someone who may not be in full health themselves. Grown children with their own families do the best to provide support, but they are ill equipped to do so. Older citizens wish to remain independent as long as possible. Mr. Speaker, let's do all we can in our power to make sure our seniors and elders are able to age in place. Marci cho, Mr. Speaker.