This is page numbers 1153 - 1196 of the Hansard for the 19th 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 seniors.

Topics

Aging in Place
Members' Statements

Page 1160

Caitlin Cleveland

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, my mother is my favourite senior. I might get in trouble for referring to her as that, but she is a feisty and fabulous 74-year-old. She loves to travel, kayak, create, and she is affectionately referred to by my girlfriends as the original diva. Those of us with seniors in our lives are truly blessed. Our elders and seniors are powerful, but it is not a power that is physically exerted over us. Their power comes from the knowledge and wisdom gained over decades of life experience. It is a power that teaches us to sit, breathe, and listen.

Mr. Speaker, aging isn't just a biological process; it is a cultural one. Different cultures have varying attitudes and practices around aging, and these cultural perspectives shape our individual experiences of getting older. Many cultures celebrate the aging process. In Zimbabwe, they train grandmothers to help treat depression. In Greek culture, old age is honoured and celebrated, and respect for elders is central to the family. In places like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, in the practice of Confucianism, filial piety or caring for one's parent is considered a prime virtue. As a result, we see cultural practices, like in China, where employers provide time off for workers to visit elderly parents.

Here, Indigenous people also hold an attitude of respect and reverence for their elders. When starting a new beginning, elders are often asked to open the celebration with prayer, by feeding a fire. Indigenous elders are viewed as knowledge keepers and stewards of centuries-old language and traditional practices. In the North, as in Japan, we see multiple generations living under one roof, but Japan does not suffer the same housing and equitable access to healthcare crisis as the NWT.

Conversely, in Western cultures, we celebrate youth, strength, and virility, and do not emphasize the care and comfort of our elders and seniors at the same time. We need to ensure that we do all that we can to honour, respect, and support our elders. This includes ensuring that they have the opportunity to age in place close to family, with support, resources, and connections in their own language, safe from violence and neglect. We need to ensure that our programs and services do not have unintended barriers preventing seniors from accessing them.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy that our Premier continues the tradition of naming a Minister responsible for Seniors, because seniors and elders matter. However, I am generally concerned about the practice of assigning portfolios lacking fiscal resources and departments of capable staff to do the necessary work. What does it mean to be a Minister responsible for an issue without adequate resources to do the work or plans in place for affecting change?

As Northerners, we need to reflect on our own views on aging and how we are supporting our elders. As a government, we need the resources to ensure we are providing seniors with the supports they need to live meaningful lives. Collectively, we must embrace our seniors and elders and recognize all they do to enrich our lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Aging in Place
Members' Statements

Page 1160

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Seniors
Members' Statements

Page 1160

Lesa Semmler

Lesa Semmler Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will repeat it again: June is Senior Citizens' Month, and June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Today, I would like to talk a bit about how this pandemic has affected some of our seniors in my community that I have observed.

Since March, programs have been cancelled, like the Elder Day Program, and orders to social distance have been put in place. No visitors for our elders in our long-term care or the elders that are in our homes. This pandemic is also keeping seniors out of the loop of what's happening in our territory during this pandemic, so it increases what's going on. What they're seeing on TV and what's actually happening in their territory, they haven't been able to observe, because GNWT has had a web page, Facebook posts, and most of the information shared by this government on the radio may have only been in English or in French. Those who speak other Indigenous languages may not have received the message. Our newspapers went digital, so they didn't even have the newspapers to read about what was going on in our territory.

Mr. Speaker, the only information that a senior who lived at home alone, with them alone or with a spouse, would get is word of mouth over the phone for the six weeks of this pandemic, if they had family to call, that is. They can watch the news, like I said, but only see what's going on in the rest of Canada. I know what it's like to have elderly grandparents that are living alone at home. Some are lucky and get visits every day, and phone calls all day, but there are those who have family that have their own issues they're dealing with, or they have work, kids, and other things that they're trying to manage. I'll be honest, when my grandparents lived alone at home, as a young mother, I could hardly get to see them.

Our elders don't like to ask for help as well, so they could be more at risk for loneliness, and that can lead to depression. Mr. Speaker, I just want to make sure our elders and seniors know they are important, and we must remember that they need to socialize. I'll ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Impacts of COVID-19 on Seniors
Members' Statements

Page 1161

Lesa Semmler

Lesa Semmler Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. We must remember that they need to socialize. They need to be informed in ways that they can understand. They did not grow up in a world of technology. Heck, some of them never had power or running water, let alone a computer or a smartphone. Moving forward, we need to make sure that, when we do make decisions, we are making decisions for all Northwest Territories residents, and we are providing material in more than one piece of information in our mailboxes so that they can be part of this Northwest Territories as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Seniors
Members' Statements

Page 1161

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Aging in Place
Members' Statements

Page 1161

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With each day as our population ages, this Assembly's priority of enabling our seniors to age in place with dignity gains more importance.

Mr. Speaker, when dealing with our seniors, we must make our most compassionate selves take the lead. We must celebrate our elders for enriching our lives and building our futures. In our communities, unfortunately, we have created a system of healthcare that often asks many of our seniors make the impossible choice between aging in their community or being placed in a long-term care facility away from their homes. This tragedy is compounded by cases where elders are then surrounded by people who don't speak their language, and a family visit can often require a very expensive plane ticket just to say "hello."

During COVID-19, Mr. Speaker, we saw many of us across the North take great steps to protect our elders and most vulnerable, but we also saw our seniors make great sacrifices living, and now continuing to live, isolated. We owe it to them to ensure that such isolation is only caused by a pandemic and not by them being forgotten. Coming out of COVID-19, we all must ensure that our seniors don't live in loneliness. Mr. Speaker, we must do everything we can to ensure that people who want to live in their community can do so.

Mr. Speaker, many of our constituents may not choose to retire in the North, perhaps a fair choice, but there is no doubt that every time they make this choice, it is a loss. A community is held together by its elders. Children raised with access to grandparents have deeper roots in their community, Mr. Speaker. Our elders ground us. They provide cultural continuity and calm guidance, and during such uncertain times we are in now, we are in need of both.

Mr. Speaker, I hope we in this House can look back on our term and feel that we have made all of our seniors feel at home, that we have made sure their lives were a little easier, that we made meaningful progress on the tragedy that is elder abuse, so let us all lead with compassion and give hope for our elders and live a long, happy, retired life surrounded by their grandchildren in their homes. This is our responsibility, and I am honoured that it is a priority for all Members in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Aging in Place
Members' Statements

Page 1161

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Northern Benefits from Slave Geological Province Road
Members' Statements

June 11th, 2020

Page 1161

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. On March 16th, I presented written questions to the Minister of Infrastructure on GNWT contracts for the Slave Geological Province road. The Minister tabled the response on May 26th. The results were shocking in terms of the failure to deliver northern benefits. The information tabled by the Minister shows that, for the contracts issued from September 1, 2015, to date: only four of the 14 contracts went to northern contractors; only three of the successful contractors were Business Incentive Policy registered; only nine percent of the contracted amounts went to northern companies, $88,660 out of $987,282; and the pattern continues under the current Minister as all three contracts issued in 2020 went to southern companies.

These results are even worse than predicted in a March 2019 Economic Study of the Slave Geological Province Road by a consultant hired by the Department of Infrastructure. That consultant predicted "based on historical evidence" that "engineering and professional services related to the road pre-construction work will import 66 percent of its labour." According to that study, at no point in this project, from planning right through to potential mine operations, will northern labour ever exceed 50 percent.

The Minister of Finance said the following in this House on March 26th while defending the Slave Geological Province road: "We all arrived here on a mission of change, and we all arrived here on a mission of doing things differently and better. That means keeping resource dollars in the North. That means keeping the spending on projects in the North. That means engaging local industries. That will be up to all of us, and it will be up to this Cabinet to do that and to deliver on that promise."

Earlier this week, we approved the largest supplementary appropriation in the history of the Northwest Territories. Over 40 percent of the $162 million amount in that spending is for infrastructure projects carried over from the previous year. This is proof that large infrastructure projects are not going to be the foundation for economic recovery. We can't get the money out the door, Mr. Speaker, and when we do, the benefits to Northerners rarely live up to the promises. We need to start small, spend money on people and our needs, such as housing, food security, and renewable energy. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.

Elders' Month
Members' Statements

Page 1162

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, this month is Elders' Month, and we hold them in great respect. They lead us. They guide us into everything that we do. We also have respect for our elders. They give us guidance. As we stand here, we have elders in our community who guide us, so we need to have respect and take care of them. We also know the kind of life they led. They have a lot of traditional knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, not only that but in the Northwest Territories, we know that our elders go through some hardship. Sometimes they are harsh with their words to their families, their children or grandchildren, but we also need to take a good look at how we treat each other. Sometimes there are bad words out there that belittle each other. We need to remember this.

The concern we have is that elders sometimes go through hard times in their own home. Sometimes the elders have their children or grandchildren taking care of them, so the elders do have their family members in their unit. Sometimes, when the family members live with them, they go through hardship because the children may have an addiction problem which causes the elders some stress. We need to remember that the elders have gone through a lot of problems in the past and we want the best for them to lead a good life. We need to talk about this so we can do something for them. This is the Elders' Month, so we need to do something for them. That is my statement. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation ends]

Elders' Month
Members' Statements

Page 1162

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response in Nahendeh
Members' Statements

Page 1162

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to rise and talk about some of the COVID-19 responses in the Nahendeh region.

Northerners throughout the area support local events and groups however they can. Things like the Lights On Program and the elementary school lunch program received donations monthly pre-COVID-19. That includes monthly donations. The North West Company Healthy Horizons Foundation donated $20,000 to the Lights On Program so that they could begin to build a snowboard park in Fort Simpson, and I'm happy to say it's been built. Since the pandemic started, they donated $1,000 to the local foodbank and soup kitchen. This was greatly appreciated by the staff and residents. As one person said recently, every little bit helps in our time of need.

There have been also private donations from the North West Company by the Sprout Foundation and Second Harvest. The North West Company contributed an additional $600,000, bringing their total donation of $3.6 million. This donation will be spread throughout the stores within the North West Company to divide among communities in the form of vouchers. These vouchers can be used in store to buy food items. The company is working with the community to decide which families would benefit most from this. They are also looking for new ways to support the community. We are especially grateful for the support that they have shown us throughout the difficult times.

There are a couple of other stores that I'd like to recognize here, as well: the Unity Store and the Fort Liard General Store. They are big supporters of community events, corporate citizens, and employers in both the communities. They also reach out to people in time of need.

I would like to also recognize Dene First Nation, who contributed a whole pot of their money, including dividends as they move forward. This has allowed people, not just in the community, but also outside membership, to get food in this time of need. The local band has also developed small gardens for kids under six. This is allowing them to get the material and seeds, and I would like to thank them for that.

In closing, I would like to thank all of the businesses and stores which I didn't mention today for all their help and commitment to the residents of the Northwest Territories and for their wellness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response in Nahendeh
Members' Statements

Page 1162

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of housing in her role as the housing Minister and also the Minister responsible for Homelessness.

Last weekend, when I was home, I was driving home after work and I noticed someone lying in the ditch. It was one of my constituents. He was not under the influence; he was just tired, had a medical issue and no home to go to. He was lucky that a couple of young ladies were kind-hearted enough stop and call an ambulance for him.

When I arrived, he was alone. I stayed with him until the ambulance showed up, and at that time, he informed me that the night before he was in the same position, and he went to hospital there, or the health centre, they wouldn't let him stay overnight. I told him, I said, "Well, go and take the ambulance, and they're pretty well going to have to keep you there." I said, "If they don't, just tell them to call me. As an MLA or as a lawyer, I will look after you, one or the other." I never heard from him so hopefully he's okay.

Anyway, the first question I have is: I would ask the Minister if her departments have taken any action to establish a permanent shelter for men in Hay River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Member for his question. Right now, the Housing Corporation is involved in a vulnerable persons working group in the community of Hay River. Right now, we are in agreement with an established business in Hay River as well, too, that we have opened up 18 additional rooms for Hay River. I know this is a temporary solution for the community, but we are hoping to work in conjunction with the community membership and the non-profit organizations in the community of Hay River to find a solution to address the homelessness need in the Member's riding.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

I think that the people appreciate the beds that are made available to the homeless right now. Problem is that some of them are removed every once in a while, and they have nowhere to go. They had a shelter in the old part of Hay River, and it was closed. This morning there was somebody peeking out the window, so they moved back in. I told the guy, "Just keep the door open. Let them use it until something else comes up."

The next question I have for the Minister: it's not only the homeless that we need shelter for in Hay River. We need living accommodation for singles, couples, and families. There is a big shortage. What is the department doing to address this immediate issue that is in Hay River?

Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you to the Member for his questions. Last week, the Housing Corporation had rolled out $43 million in infrastructure projects through the Northwest Territories. With that is an initiative, as well, to try to work and address the housing needs and the homelessness issue throughout the territory. We also have carry-over projects as well, too, that that weren't complete in 2019-2020, so those projects are soon to be coming to completion.

I also made an announcement that approximately 130 units would be available to the people of the Northwest Territories due to the COVID response from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and that emergency measure is no longer required those units. Right now, I can let the Member know that the Housing Corporation, we do have 60 units throughout the Northwest Territories that we are looking for immediate occupancy. The additional 70 are needing minor to major repairs. I could follow up with the Member to address how many units identified are going to be allocated in his riding.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

The Hay River high-rise has been a sore point for many, but it has 122 apartments sitting empty right now. It is time to put our differences aside and seriously look at it as a viable place to reduce housing requirements in Hay River. This government did it with the Arnica Inn project here in Yellowknife. Why not the Hay River high-rise?

Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

I do see the need for utilizing the high-rise in Hay River for the additional 122 units. The Housing Corporation hasn't been approached, to my knowledge. It does lie in the Office of the Fire Marshal. We haven't had any approach from the business owner or the owner of the high-rise that would have expressed interest in looking at renovations or a possibility of accessing our co-investment fund for the Northwest Territories. I am open to furthering this conversation with the Member, should the Member and his riding be interested in looking at additional solutions for the high-rise. The business owner would have to contact the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation individually.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess I'd be hoping that the Housing Corporation, knowing that there is a shortage in Hay River, would be kind of proactive, so I'm just wondering: when was the last time that anybody from the department has actually talked to the owner of the high-rise? I talk to him probably weekly, so I'm just wondering if your department has talked to him, or when was the last time anybody talked to him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Like I said, this is a private business, a private owner and, to my knowledge, as of today, we haven't been contacted by the Hay River high-rise. I do have open dialogue to be working with the owner for the high-rise in Hay River, but I do know that there were some concerns with the Fire Marshal, so I'm not too sure; I couldn't comment on what status that building may be in and what the requirements would be to have the high-rise up and running again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Throughout the course of COVID-19, I have made multiple requests to see some data regarding COVID-19. I have made requests to see modelling, and I have still have not seen those. The type of data I am looking for is really not the kind of thing that I think should be asked on the floor of the House, but I will ask.

We have consistently heard that one of the risks of the Northwest Territories is we have a lot of immunocompromised people and respiratory illness, so my question to the Minister of health is: how many people in the NWT are projected to be at high risk or immunocompromised? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.