Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we know that our seniors want to stay in their homes and in their communities for as long as they can.

Elders want to maintain their independence. They also want to stay close to their family and friends, and to the places where they grew up and where they built their lives.

They also have knowledge and expertise to share, knowledge that they want to give back to their communities, to help the next generation learn and grow. Having to move to access suitable housing or long-term care can be frightening and stressful, particularly if you primarily speak your traditional language and have to move to the city.

Mr. Speaker, when you come from our smallest communities -- like Tsiigehtchic, for example, with a population of around 178 people -- even the move to a relatively nearby town, to long-term care in lnuvik, can be jarring.

It's not what you know and it's not your home. My constituents have come to me to talk about these challenges, and we as Members know that seniors' housing and care needs is an oncoming storm facing this government.

The Department of Health and Social Services has clearly identified the shortfalls we are facing in the long-term care beds. The department is also planning work to improve rates of chronic disease like diabetes in the NWT.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, Regular Members have advocated for increased support for homecare in the communities. Prevention work like that means healthier elders, elders who can stay comfortable and safe in their homes longer.

I want to talk about where the NWT Housing Corporation fits in. In Tsiigehtchic, there are just four dedicated housing units for elders as part of a row house. There is a real demand for real space. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted