In the Legislative Assembly on June 11th, 2020. See this topic in context.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] I spoke earlier in my Member's statement about the seniors and what kind of a program is there. We have been thinking about it. That is why I want to ask the Minister for seniors about what kind of a program is there for seniors. [Translation ends]

[Microphone turned off] ...month. I have some questions for the Minister responsible for Seniors. The first question I have is: what kind of programs exist for our elders' or seniors' care, more specifically in the area of verbal and physical abuse here in the Northwest Territories? Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for Seniors.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Part of the mandate and one of the priorities is we are working on that. Right now, we do have a hotline available for people to bring forth their concerns. We also have the work with NWT Seniors' Society who provide that information to us, and then we try to work with seniors moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Moving onto the question I have: we talk about integrated approach and interdepartmental collaboration, as well. I would assume that all are departments that work together, Justice, ECE, housing, and also, the Minister responsible for Seniors, pertaining to these issues that we are faced with. I would like to know, Mr. Speaker, are there inter-agencies in the communities that deal with these issues, such as senior abuse in the communities, and do all communities have these inter-agencies?

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

It's my understanding that there are inter-agency committees in some of the communities. Health is part of it, ECE, Municipal and Community Affairs, and Housing. They are there; they do have inter-agency meetings. I'm not sure about every community, but I know that there are a number of communities that have that group that works together.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

The next line of questions is pertaining to enforcement. As you know, a lot of our communities, 10-plus communities, do not have RCMP detachments, so what is the process where an elder or a senior is being verbally or physically abused, especially in communities that do not have an RCMP detachment? What is the process?

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

There are a number of opportunities for elders to reach out. There are emergency protection orders that they can reach out to Justice with the Alison McAteer House, so they are able to go forward with that. They are also able to reach out to the NWT Seniors' Society to help them, and they would give them direction on where they go, as well as working with Health and Social Services staff; they are able to work with them, as well. There are a variety of opportunities. As well, I would also encourage them to reach out to leadership and get them to help them, too, because then they can direct them or help them get the support they need.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Monfwi.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1167

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. As you know, a lot of our community members, especially the elders and seniors, do not speak English, in my communities especially. Obviously, I would like to know if this Minister is committed to providing more of an enhanced educational awareness on programs that are available to our elders, to our seniors, in our language, whether it be broadcasted on CKLB or other programming, because a lot of elders don't know that these programs exist and, if we reach out to them, I think a lot of these issues can be prevented, Mr. Speaker. Masi.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

June 11th, 2020

Page 1167

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I would like to thank the Member for that great idea. We will, and I have been working with my colleagues across here, been working to get that information. We do have the Seniors' Handbook, but we can work together to get it into the languages, and as well to try to get it out there in the news, and that, and working there. We are more than willing to work with my colleagues on that issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 328-19(2): Programs and Supports for Elders and Seniors
Oral Questions

Page 1168

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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