Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The United Nations General Assembly designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is to bring attention to the world that abuse of elders is a public health and human rights issue that must be addressed.
The issue of COVID-19 has brought the treatment of elders to the forefront as we hear of the appalling treatment that some are being subjected to in both public and private care homes. It is not only care homes. We know of elders being abused by government through outdated policies and lack of support by family and friends. I am not saying this is an epidemic, but it is a reality.
Mr. Speaker, we hear of incidents of bullying, insults, abandonment, belittling, humiliation, harassment, isolation, privacy breaches, financial exploitation, and withholding of basic necessities of life all being revealed across the country. Most elders, out of love for their family or for a number of other reasons, almost never complain about this treatment. Because of health issues, they may not be in a position to vocalize how they are being treated, no matter what their living arrangement.
Elders, like the rest of the population, are looking for social interaction, a sense of belonging, and a sense of worth. It is important that we, as a society, as family, and as friends, provide that social aspect while safeguarding the protection these elders require. COVID-19 has forced the lockdown of many elders in government and other care facilities. This limits their opportunity for social interaction and visits from family and friends. We are fortunate in the NWT that our facilities are staffed with competent and caring staff, but loneliness continues to exist and needs to be addresses.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask all persons throughout the NWT to visit with elders, talk with them, sit with them, and above all else, listen to them, because one day, it may well be you in that exact position and wondering why you have been forgotten. It all comes down to showing respect and standing up for elders and not just on June 15th of every year, but every day of every year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.