Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am going to talk about seniors' housing in the NWT and speak once again about the Core Need Income Threshold. Twenty years ago, the NWT Housing Corporation created a seniors' housing strategy. The strategy was created to address the needs of seniors in a number of areas, which included over-crowded public housing units while families remained on waiting lists; a lack of proper senior housing; and a lack of public housing units built specifically for seniors.

In the 20 years since this seniors' housing strategy was implemented, the NWT has seen some improvements within these areas, such as more senior public housing being available today than before. However, senior housing needs have only increased along with the increased population of seniors in the NWT. I believe that the NWT Housing Corporation needs to once again create a seniors' housing strategy. Building upon the previous strategy, we must create a modern strategy that won't discriminate against any seniors, period. Right now, any senior or senior couple whose income is above the Core Need Income Threshold will not be eligible for public housing. Seniors in this boat must find housing by themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Core Need Income Threshold exists to help low-income people find housing. However, I think this means test needs to be dropped when it comes to seniors. As I said in a Member's statement last month, some seniors may demonstrate on paper that they are financially capable of finding housing by their own means. However, that should not be the sole determining factor for whether seniors should get help finding housing. For example, some seniors have dysfunctional family members who depend on their parents or grandparents for food, shelter, and other needs. In these situations, the monthly income for seniors dwindles quickly, leaving them far less income to address their own necessities. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.