Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government recognizes the importance of supporting our seniors and elders to ensure that they remain living safely in their own communities. The current mandate has several priorities which address key areas that impact the ability of seniors and elders to age in place, including housing, income, and finances; health support; community infrastructure and supports; and safety. Several departments are leading the work on this, including Education, Culture and Employment, Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice, and the NWT Housing Corporation.

Developing an NWT seniors' strategy may not be achievable at this time, particularly in light of the current and developing COVID pandemic response; however, we are committed to supporting our seniors by advancing the mandate priorities. We will continue to work across government and community sectors to address the core issues that impact the ability of seniors and elders to remain living in supportive communities, free from abuse, regardless of whether a specific senior's strategy is developed.

Mr. Speaker, motions in Legislative Assemblies are typically taken as advice to the government, and Cabinet usually abstains from voting on them. Cabinet is committed to supporting NWT seniors and we will continue to advance our mandate priorities related to that, but we will be abstaining from this vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.