Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Our NWT's senior population is ever increasing. Just to maintain a home, it's becoming an issue for many seniors. Winter is especially difficult for many. General home maintenance is difficult to maintain and is very costly. Accessibility and comfort is an issue. Seniors need barrierfree access. Madam Speaker, seniors want to know they are a priority to this government. Can the Minister responsible for Housing NWT inform this House how her department is actively addressing housing needs for an increasing number of NWT seniors? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River North, that Bill 59, An Act to Amend the Elections and Plebiscites Act, be read for a third time. And Madam Speaker, I am requesting a recorded vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can the Minister tell me in the decommissioning of Riverview Lodge in ten years, has consideration been given to include planning for a new facility on that site? I think the location of it is important because it is downtown, and seniors like the location. It allows them to get out and walk and visit and also to use the amenities that the downtown core provides. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I thank the Minister for that response. Madam Speaker, can the Minister tell me has the technical assessment of the Riverview Lodge in Hay River been completed, and if not, where is it in the process that the Minister previously indicated was underway? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, Hay River has an increasing seniors’ population and there is a need for new multiresidential barrierfree housing in Hay River. As it stands now, in Hay River we currently we have two senior complexes, with a combined count of approximately 33 units. Madam Speaker, Riverview Lodge, a seniors’ complex in Hay River, is nearing its endoflife, and there appears to be no immediate plan on the books to replace it.

Last February, the Minister responsible for Housing NWT stated that, and I quote: "The corporation anticipates being able to operate this facility...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as we see the population of seniors and homelessness increase in Hay River and throughout the NWT, it is important we prepare our healthcare system to ensure trained personnel are in place to provide the health supports required.

Madam Speaker, we talk about keeping seniors in their homes and, as I stated previously, although an admirable expectation it is not realistic. This government expects to keep seniors in their homes, which may well work for those who have the financial resources, are healthy, mobile, and have family support. For those not in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The process is that the Speaker will request that the Commissioner to bring in the parts into force. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left is Stephen Flanagan, legislative division, Department of Justice; and, to my right is Tim Mercer, clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm pleased to provide opening remarks on Bill 58, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. This law is usually changed in the last year of every Assembly to update MLAs' pay and benefits and the names and borders of the NWT'S election ridings. These changes were suggested by independent commissions appointed by this Assembly. The bill also makes changes to how complaints against MLAs are handled and who sits on the Assembly's board of management. It also makes it clear who the employees of the Legislative Assembly work for.

If approved, the...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I'll save the Minister some time. Yes, you have to change the regulations, and you have to change the act, and I would ask you to change the act and allow for changes in light combinations to be set in regulation, and I think that you do have some changes coming up the Motor Vehicles Act this you know, fairly soon, and I would ask the Minister to commit to trying to incorporate this in that in those changes. Thank you.