This is page numbers 629-672 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was housing.

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Julie Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. O’Reilly, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

---Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, colleagues. Ministers' statements. Minister of Justice.

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, this government has made the commitment through its mandate to support the RCMP and communities in their efforts to strengthen partnerships to prevent and respond to violence. The annual policing priorities which I set for the RCMP support this work. As in previous years, the priorities for 2016-17 continue to focus on the need for policing plans to be developed collaboratively by the RCMP with each community in the Northwest Territories. The priorities now go further and direct the RCMP to also have action plans for each community which will assist with targeting and bringing together resources from multiple sources.

The majority of communities have identified stopping drugs and bootlegging activities as a priority. The mutual trust gained from building the Community Action Plans has resulted in the support the police need in order to see results.

Mr. Speaker, in April and March alone, the RCMP stopped almost 235 litres of alcohol from illegal distribution in seven communities. Also in April, there were several stops of vehicles outside of Fort Providence resulting in arrests and the seizures of large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, and liquid codeine. Information from these arrests led to a significant seizure in Yellowknife where 1300 fentanyl pills and four kilograms of cocaine along with other drugs and over $80,000 in cash were successfully taken off the streets.

Additionally, this year’s priorities outline for the RCMP to continue to advance community-based solutions to change behaviours with youth, and change attitudes towards family violence. They do not do their work alone. Community Justice Committees made up of volunteers from within the community and coordinated by the coordinator positions funded by the Community Justice and Community Policing Division play a significant role in this partnership, and ultimately, the safety of our citizens.

We are on the right track with the RCMP 2016-17 priorities. I applaud the work of the RCMP and the Department of Justice over the past years to enhance the quality of life in our communities. I look forward to continued progress this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize June 15thas World Elder Abuse Awareness today. Colleagues and visitors in the gallery are wearing purple to promote awareness of this important day, and I'd like to recognize the significant amount of purple in the building today.

Mr. Speaker, our work towards eliminating elder abuse is done in partnership with the NWT Seniors Society and the NWT Network to prevent abuse of older adults. I would encourage all Members to read the Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults: a Five Year Strategy for the Northwest Territories, 2015 to 2020, prepared by the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults.

This strategy focuses on four priorities with eight principles that all contribute to the elimination of elder abuse. I look forward to following the strategy as it takes shape over the next four years. Mr. Speaker, elder abuse can come in many forms including financial, emotional, physical neglect, and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, these types of abuse are too common in our communities. The NWT Seniors Society Information Line data shows that of the 152 calls they responded to in 2015-16, three were related to senior safety and 21 calls were related to elder abuse.

Elders have the right to be safe and healthy in their own homes and in their communities. They also have the right to make decisions about their money, belongings, and the care they would like to receive. We have been working with the NWT Seniors Society to develop screening tools to detect situations of abuse of older adults. Over the coming months, we will be piloting the use of these tools in our programs as a concrete action toward supporting improved detection of situations of abuse by frontline providers.

If you are an elder who is being abused, talk with a trusted friend or a family member. If you are an older person who is being abused, ask privately if you need help. Help is also available from the RCMP and other professionals in your community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage anyone who witnesses elder abuse to call the Family Violence Crisis Line at 1-866-223-7775, or the Seniors’ Information Line at 1-800-661-0878. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I, too, rise. As I mentioned earlier in this sitting that June is senior citizens' month in the Northwest Territories. As part of that, today, June 15th, as previously mentioned, is another special occasion for our seniors and elders. The United Nations General Assembly in resolution 66/127 designated June 15thas World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

This represents the one day of the year for the whole world to voice its opposition and resistance to the abuse and suffering that is too often inflicted upon our elders. Mr. Speaker, the world's population is aging, and in the near future, the numbers of elders will begin to surpass those of young people. As that trend continues, the problem of elder abuse becomes a greater issue affecting more and more of the population. World Health Organization data indicates that between four and six per cent of elders around the world suffer some sort of abuse, a large part of which goes in reported.

Senior citizens’ month is a time to set aside for all of us to recognize and honour the seniors and elders in our communities. On this day, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, gatherings and events will be happening across the globe to raise awareness and opposition to abuse of elders. In the Northwest Territories, we can make a difference in our own communities by celebrating and honouring our elders to make sure that those elders are safe, secure, and protected.

Mr. Speaker, as I shared in my previous statement on seniors, I am sure each of us has had the occasion to be grateful and appreciative of an elder in our life, whether it's a lesson we were taught, a skill that was passed down, a language or value practice that was gifted to us. For each of us, our seniors and elders have offered us the gifts, knowledge, and values that make us who we are today. The lives lived by our elders created the foundation for the world in which we now live. Their legacy and gift to us is that we live in a free and prosperous country that many call the best country in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone in this Assembly and all residents of the Northwest Territories to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by celebrating, respecting, and thanking our elders for their contributions to our world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will also speak on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mr. Speaker, with my colleagues, I would like to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, first launched ten years ago by the United Nations. This is not only a matter of public health and human rights, Mr. Speaker. Our actions and attitudes will shape the territory that our residents age in.

As set out in the government's mandate, we will make sure that the elders and seniors get the care and support they need. That includes developing community-based supports for aging in place, building a territorial and regulatory framework for long-term care, expanding long-term care and palliative-care options, and building more senior support independent living units will help the Northwest Territories make sure that our elders and seniors get the care and support that they need.

But those are not enough, Mr. Speaker. Aging in place will help elders and seniors remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, but our own attitudes and actions also have a role to play alongside government programs, and the people of the Northwest Territories must continue to build communities that bring together people of all ages.

We all have a role to play in our communities, Mr. Speaker, and as younger people, we have the responsibility to respect our elders, to care for our elders, and learn from them, and to speak out against elder abuse. That can mean speaking out against individual cases, Mr. Speaker, but it can also mean taking preventative action, making sure elder abuse doesn't happen in the first place, by working with each other and through the program set out in the government's mandate to foster strong, healthy families and strong, healthy communities.

Thank you to the elders who continue to guide us. You are the foundation of who we are today. God bless each and every one of you. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, most of us love and respect the elders in our lives, yet abuse of this vulnerable and growing population is a problem in the NWT and all across the country. Almost three-quarters of older adults surveyed in the NWT in 2010 and then again in 2015 see abuse of themselves or their peers as a problem in their community.

What is abuse in this context? The World Health Organization says it's a single or repeated act or a lack of appropriate action occurring with any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm and distress to an older person. It's a sad fact that all across Canada, elders are most likely to be victimized by those who are closest to them, namely, their own adult children.

Elder abuse can take many forms, but financial abuse and neglect are the most common forms here in the NWT. It's important to note that overcrowded houses, poverty, and the legacy of residential school experience can make matters worse here. The end result of any and all abuse is the same. It compromises the dignity, independence, health, and security of elders. It diminishes and frightens them. It's not what any of us want for our parents or for ourselves.

The information I've quoted here comes from the report the Minister mentioned, Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults. It was completed by the NWT Network to prevent the abuse of older adults in November last year. The network has created a five-year strategic plan to make seniors safe in their own homes and communities. There are 20 recommendations in four areas to accomplish this vision. We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse and creating safe, secure, and caring communities.

Naming and speaking out about the abuse of older adults is one of the first steps to prevent it, and that's what today is all about. As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we have a special role to play. We can advocate for continued data collection so that we better understand the problem, and we can use this information to respond to the abuse of older adults in both policy and legislation. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Seniors. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It has been a great opportunity to be more aware of events and special days that occur throughout the year. This past week was one of these times.

Mr. Speaker, today, I as well will be speaking about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mr. Speaker, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is marked each year on June 15thas an official United Nation International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as the public health and human rights issue. Since 2006, communities have used this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse by sharing information about abuse and neglect, and promoting resources and services that can help increase seniors' safety and well-being.

Mr. Speaker, abuse of elders remains a private matter, and unfortunately, it is well-hidden from the public view. Mr. Speaker, elder abuse is a universal problem. It is prevalent everywhere. Abuse can occur anywhere by anyone, but is frequently, it is family that abuses their elders. Raising awareness and prevention of elder abuse requires the involvement of everyone.

Mr. Speaker, public education and awareness are important elements in preventing abuse and neglect. The aim of such effort is to inform the public about the various types of abuse, how to identify the signs, and the symptoms of abuse where help can be obtained.

Mr. Speaker, as important as this day is, I believe that we must respect our elders, as they are our future and our past and our foundation of where we are today. Mr. Speaker, today in Fort Simpson, the Health Promotion unit is working with Bompas Elementary School to promote awareness to the youth. After the presentation, they are planning to walk over to the long-term care facility to have tea with the elders. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to see this happening in my community. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to stress that we need to respect our elders, take the time to speak with them, and most importantly, listen to their wise advice. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June 15this World Elder Abuse day, and I want to spend some time today to discuss this issue that affects one of the most vulnerable communities in the North and the world. It is a natural part of our heritage as Northerners to show reverence for our elders. Northerners respect the long journey older adults have taken through their lives. Elders are the stewards of our history, culture, and traditions, raising a family sometimes beyond just your children, and growing up in a world where Twitter was only something that actual birds did. Elders in the North have certainly earned our respect.

During the campaign, I was not well-versed on the issue of elder abuse. Since then, I have taken my time to learn more about this: reading, research, taking a firsthand look at Avens, a community for seniors, and most importantly, listening to what our elders have to say on the issue. What I have heard is that we can all do our part to end abuse against older adults.

Nearly 25 per cent of our society is quickly reaching the later stages of life. It is important we remain vigilant against those who would attempt to exploit our elders. In 2007, Statistics Canada reported that the overall rate of police-reported violence against seniors increased by 20 per cent between 1999 and 2005.

Though our elders are the least likely demographic to be victims of violent crime, what's truly disturbing is that the largest group of those who commit violence against our elders were adult children or a current or former spouse. To put it more bluntly, Mr. Speaker, the ones who should be assuring the safety of our seniors the most, those they love unconditionally, are the ones putting them into unsafe situations. This is just plain wrong.

Mr. Speaker, here in the NWT, our Seniors’ Society back in 2010 took it upon themselves to do something about the ever growing instances of abuse. Starting with the Making Connections: Building Networks Symposium, from the information gathered there and other workshops, they established the NWT Network to Prevent the Abuse of Older Adults. The Network now has over 55 members throughout the NWT who are committed older adult advocates who work to achieve reduction, prevention, and ultimate eradication of the abuse of older adults.

I applaud this organization's good work, and am proud to see a grassroots network of seniors come together to address this issue for those elders affected by abuse.

Mr. Speaker, we are their children and their grandchildren. Let's all do our part to protect the security and dignity of older adults. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak today about the deplorable state of housing in the Northwest Territories. These conditions are documented in the preliminary results of the latest 2014 survey of housing needs. The preliminary survey results indicate that 32 per cent of NWT housing has problems and 20 per cent of our housing stock is in core need for reasons of suitability, adequacy or affordability.

For our seniors, these hardships can be even worse. The recent long-term care study shows that the supply of senior’s housing units and long-term care beds is already far behind demand and will only get worse. There will be a shortfall of 258 long-term care beds in Yellowknife by 2026. The greater problem with these realities is that we want seniors to stay in their homes, aging in place is one of our mandated priorities.

A general Canadian study in 2009 indicated that average out-of-pocket monthly costs for a senior to age in his or her own home was $928 versus $3500 for that same senior to live in an institutional setting. More detailed NWT-specific research is needed so we can focus our limited dollars to achieve the greatest returns. I think we heard some of that at noon today.

Is the array of support programs offered by the NWT Housing Corporation adequately funded or oversubscribed and can program adjustments keep more seniors in their homes? What other supports, such as handi-buses and home care programs will extend aging in place? We need to know where we are going with seniors aging in place and with the corresponding needs for seniors’ housing, long-term care and chronic care.

Our next housing needs survey will be completed for the year 2019, which should chart progress towards reducing core need. This survey should also begin to collect data on the age of respondents so we can better predict demand for aging in place services as well as institutional demands.

Finally, we also need this information much more promptly. We’re waiting in 2016 for the full 2014 housing needs survey results, 18 months after the reporting period ended. We can’t wait until 2021 to get the 2019 year results to better plan for housing and aging in place. Masi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marci Cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m making a Member statement on Housing, but I’d like to acknowledge the Seniors Society. Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to speak on the NWT Housing Corporation and their definition of core need.

Mr. Speaker, in general, core need for housing is identified as a household that has one or more of any of the main ingredients that form core need. Adequacy, in general, is a house that requires a retrofit or a suitability is when there are too many people sharing bedrooms and affordability is when the family spends more than 30 per cent of their household income on utilities, land tax or lease, rent or mortgage.

Mr. Speaker, I disagree with the NWT Housing Corporation’s definition of core need. I believe that in order for a household to be in core need, it must have either an adequacy and/or suitability problem and must have an affordability issue.

Mr. Speaker, if the household has an adequacy or a suitability problem, but the household is bringing in an income where it is not spending 30 per cent of their income to house themselves, they should not be considered in core need. As is the same for a household that has an adequately suitable house but cannot afford the operating and maintenance -- can afford to spend less than 30 per cent of their income, then they should not be considered in core need.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the NWT Housing Corporation must change what core need means. If it does not change, then most anyone that hires a person that has an affordability issue, would be essentially taking that person out of core need, or if an individual that’s considered in core need has an affordability issue was to go to income support and apply for income and they would take themselves out of core need.

I believe that core need is an NWT Housing Corporation issue and that with the current definition, any of the departments that hire people or any of the departments that are able to give income to an individual can take people out of core need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Sathu.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I also want to recognize the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I recall attending an NWT Senior Society presentation where the chair had mentioned, “to know the future, you first have to know the past.” I thought that was quite a unique statement and I still recall that presentation.

Elders are the pillars of our small communities and also our large communities and for the whole NWT for that matter. Earlier I was very encouraged by the presentation of our Health Minister on the long-term care plan, a 10-year plan that includes all the communities and without a plan and I was thinking, Mr. Speaker, here without a plan, we really have no idea where we’re going.

It goes back to the Chairman’s statement of the Senior Society. I really was encouraged by the plan of our long-term care which includes clients of our elder’s community. I applaud the department for developing that plan. Now, we’ve got a prosperous future and targets and objectives to seek towards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

(English translation) Masi, Mr. Speaker.

He shared the story in 1980’s in the book of elders. Hey, it’s okay. I’ve provided copies to my colleagues and translation as I understand it is on channel three.

[English translation] Joseph Sabourin was born in the autumn of 1920 around Kakisa. My father sent me to mission school for four years but I didn’t learn much. When he died my mother moved into a house in town. I left school and stayed with her. I was 12. We had no traps so we were given five. There used to be a lot of foxes where the airport is now, so my mother sent me to set the trap there, with fish heads for bait.

I set the trap on the bank. When the fox was caught, it rolled down onto the ice and got away with the trap. My mother was real mad and wouldn’t give me another. Instead she made me a snare with heavy wire from the store. So I tried again, but my hands were so cold I didn’t set it right. I did catch a fox and it got away, with the snare.

Eventually though I did get one and it was worth $35. My mother could now buy sugar, tea and tobacco at the store. I was hoping and hoping that she would buy me some candy but all she said was, “since this is your first animal, give some tea, sugar and tobacco to the old people. Then you will have good luck in the future.” So I didn’t get a cent. I guess she was right though, because I’m still alive today.

My mother died when I was 14, so I lived with other families. One man didn’t have any children of his own so he asked me to live with him and his wife and he said he would treat me as his own son. He taught me how to track a moose and we always went hunting in the summer.

I have travelled all over on foot. Tathalina Lake is a big lake and I’m sure my footprints are all around it. I love living in the bush, especially at Redknife. It can be grim when it’s cold and you have caught no fish, but if you kill a moose, then you rejoice.

My happiest time of my life was raising my family in the bush. We had to move into town so the children could attend school. Since that time it has become harder and harder for us to return to our way of life. Life on the land is now considered to be of little value but I would rather live in the bush than have a job. Masi, Mr. Speaker. [End of English translation]

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. I’m always encouraged to hear one of the official languages in the House. Masi for that. Members’ statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.