Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the Minister for clarifying that. I think that's a very interesting example, and in the context of food security and traditional activities, that's a very important piece of the puzzle that I wouldn't have considered, so I appreciate the Minister sharing that with us.

I think this is a way that our government can be a leader on this is if we make those kinds of decisions that listen to our people, and especially, it reinforces that nation-to-nation dialogue that's going to be so important for Canada moving forward. I wish her all the best in this approach. I have nothing further to say. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister explain what culturally appropriate housing is? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly the issue of core need is a complex one. I don't think any Members of this Assembly underestimate how challenging it will be to solve. What this motion does is provide clear direction that is both measureable and achievable to this Government to address a serious problem here in the NWT. If it is true that the national core need statistic doesn't apply to the North, well my constituents don't feel it that way. They're looking for relief in terms of affordability, and I think the same can be said for many of the constituents, at least the Regular Members, constituents. We've heard we need to do more and that is why I stand in support of this motion and why this motion's being debated today, because we do need to do more to create affordable, safe, secure housing for Northerners.

This motion doesn't commit this government to any spending, it commits the government to action, an action that can be clearly communicated with Northerners. What we are doing to make a difference in their lives and make a difference to bring the North in line with the national standards and celebrate an improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the people we serve. For that reason, I encourage all Members of the Assembly to support it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regardless of the circumstances of the Yukon, I do believe our economy is a few percentage points larger than theirs. At a time when we need economic activity, especially in the mining sector, and this program has a three to one return on investment, I'd like to see more resources put into this thing. I'd very much like to see the Premier commit to expanding on this program. If he could make such commitment that would be appreciated, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Premier for his response. Yesterday, as well, we heard from the Premier that the return on investment for the Mineral Incentive Program is at three to one, which is quite commendable. In a time when we need significant economic activity here, in the North, to get our growth back on track, why have we not invested more resources into this very important program that has such a high return and impact on our economy? It sits at $400,000. In the Yukon, a similar program is at $1 million. Why have we not committed more resources to stimulate our economy directly and create some jobs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My follow-up question would be: could the Minister then work with the Premiers of Nunavut and Yukon to speak to the Prime Minister and advocate for this benefit? The industry has been very clear that they would like to see expanded financial help to getting our resources out of the ground up here and to further expand on exploration activities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the Premier as Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment spoke about the government's efforts to support the mining industry. Some questions about that today: the federal government recently renewed its mining tax credit, but it remains consistent throughout the country. I'm wondering if the Premier has discussed creating a higher credit for the North out of that tax credit and working the federal government to further incentivize the mining industry by expanding that tax credit for the three northern jurisdictions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June 15this World Elder Abuse day, and I want to spend some time today to discuss this issue that affects one of the most vulnerable communities in the North and the world. It is a natural part of our heritage as Northerners to show reverence for our elders. Northerners respect the long journey older adults have taken through their lives. Elders are the stewards of our history, culture, and traditions, raising a family sometimes beyond just your children, and growing up in a world where Twitter was only something that actual birds did. Elders in the North have certainly earned our respect.

During the campaign, I was not well-versed on the issue of elder abuse. Since then, I have taken my time to learn more about this: reading, research, taking a firsthand look at Avens, a community for seniors, and most importantly, listening to what our elders have to say on the issue. What I have heard is that we can all do our part to end abuse against older adults.

Nearly 25 per cent of our society is quickly reaching the later stages of life. It is important we remain vigilant against those who would attempt to exploit our elders. In 2007, Statistics Canada reported that the overall rate of police-reported violence against seniors increased by 20 per cent between 1999 and 2005.

Though our elders are the least likely demographic to be victims of violent crime, what's truly disturbing is that the largest group of those who commit violence against our elders were adult children or a current or former spouse. To put it more bluntly, Mr. Speaker, the ones who should be assuring the safety of our seniors the most, those they love unconditionally, are the ones putting them into unsafe situations. This is just plain wrong.

Mr. Speaker, here in the NWT, our Seniors’ Society back in 2010 took it upon themselves to do something about the ever growing instances of abuse. Starting with the Making Connections: Building Networks Symposium, from the information gathered there and other workshops, they established the NWT Network to Prevent the Abuse of Older Adults. The Network now has over 55 members throughout the NWT who are committed older adult advocates who work to achieve reduction, prevention, and ultimate eradication of the abuse of older adults.

I applaud this organization's good work, and am proud to see a grassroots network of seniors come together to address this issue for those elders affected by abuse.

Mr. Speaker, we are their children and their grandchildren. Let's all do our part to protect the security and dignity of older adults. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Nothing further, Mr. Chair.