Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of elders in Fort Providence and seniors, I need to express a deep concern that has been raised by residents and caregivers alike. The independent living seniors home in Fort Providence, a place meant to offer safety and comfort to our seniors and elders, currently has no backup generator.
Mr. Speaker, as we can see, the snow and cold weather are not too far off, and we know that power outages in the winter are not uncommon. When power goes out, the risk to our most vulnerable increases dramatically. Without heat, without light, and without the ability to maintain basic services, our seniors are left exposed to the harsh realities of our northern climate. If a generator were in place, the seniors' home could serve as a warming centre, not just for those living in the seniors' home, but for the elders in the community who live independently and may not have the means to stay warm during extended outages.
Mr. Speaker, this is not just a matter of comfort; it is a matter of safety, dignity, and respect. I call on Housing NWT to work with the community to explore funding options for installing a backup generator, whether through the seniors aging in place program, the seniors home repair program, emergency infrastructure funding, or partnerships with Indigenous governments and federal agencies. We need to find a way to make this happen. Our elders deserve better. They deserve to know that when the lights go out, the community and government will not leave them in the cold. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
