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Wednesday November 18 2015 23 B. Nind The cost of living goes to the core of how our economy is structured as well as a nancial measure of our isolation. I have stated in the platform that I would support taking action on this by investing in sustainable renewable energy agriculture and for- est and lake food harvesting consider the development of rent control legislation and to work collaboratively with the ofce of the Member of Parliament to increase the northern resident deduction. We also must be very stringent in our nancial oversight to ensure that we are getting best bang for the dollar to maximize program service delivery. YELLOWKNIFE SOUTH B. McLeod Seniors on xed incomes are the most vulnerable to changes in the cost of living. I will support capital investments that reduce costs of transportation energy and housing. The NWT Seniors Strategy will support community action plans that encourage and support volunteers in providing locally grown or harvested foods sh produce and rewood. 6. Do you support a Seniors Advocate for the NWT Why or why not FRAME LAKE YELLOWKNIFE R. Erasmus Yes I support a Seniors Advocate. The seniors in the north have seen tre- mendous change their experience and knowledge is invaluable for the future of the north and northerners. The Advocate could be responsible for monitoring seniors services promoting awareness of seniors issues and supports and identify solutions and make recommendations to government about system-wide issues facing seniors. The Advocate could issue regular reports conducts surveys and gather feedback from seniors stake- holders and the public. K. OReilly Yes I support the establishment of a Seniors Advocate. This could be a separate person or a specied function of a NWT Ombudsperson a position I have ad- vocated for since I was a member of Yellowknife City Council. The Ombudsperson could be required to have an appropriate segment of hisher time mandated to address seniors issues and to promote the work that can be done. However the function is to be carried out there should also regular consultation with the NWT Seniors Society to ensure proper priorities are being set. GREAT SLAVE YELLOWKNIFE G. Abernethy I believe the best advocates for seniors are seniors themselves. The NWT Seniors Society as well as local seniors societies have been very active in bring- ing forward issues affecting seniors across the NWT. In light of tight scal realities faced by the 18th Legislative Assembly I dont support the creation of a Seniors Advocate within the GNWT public service at this time. Instead I recommend that the NWT Se- niors Society ensure that regular meetings are scheduled with the Minister Responsible for Seniors in the 18th Legislative Assembly so that they can regularly update the Minis- ter and government on areas of concern for seniors and work together on meaningful solutions. C. Clarke I do support an advocate for seniors and elders in the NWT. Seniors and elders are an integral part of our culture and society and they deserve a strong voice. HAY RIVER NORTH R. Bouchard I believe that through the 19 MLAs and the NWT Seniors society most is- sues can be managed. Most seniors I have been working with are not scared to tell their MLA what they see is wrong with the GNWT system. I know that there are applications or situations that require more support. I have been a supporter of an Ombudsman a person to deal with breakdowns in our government system. HAY RIVER SOUTH J. Groenewegen Yes I support a Seniors Advocate Ombusdman ofce being estab- lished to support the needs of all NWT seniors. B. Willows I am in support of an advocate for seniors in the NWT. KAM LAKE YELLOWKNIFE D. Ramsay I would commit to explore the viability of a seniors advocate position. K. Testart Yes seniors and Indigenous Elders are important members of our communi- ties and have different needs than other residents of the Northwest Territories. A seniors advocate who reports to the legislative assembly would serve as a strong voice for our seniors and play a role in ensuring that legislation properly addresses the needs and concerns of seniors. NAHENDEH K. Menicoche A senior advocate will be difcult ofce to staff given our scal framework. However I will work to ensure that we can re-prole an existing job in the department of health dedicated to the needs of our elders and seniors. S. Thompson I believe the NWT Seniors Society is the best advocate for the seniors. As well I believe there are a number of community based senior groups that bring forth their issues to their respect MLAs. Therefore why would you want to add another layer to the system RANGE LAKE YELLOWKNIFE D. Dolynny I believe the NWT Seniors Society by their own right perform advocacy for the residents they represent. However the question asks for another layer of advocacy. I believe this concept is worthy of discussion and I would be supportive to have such dialogue. C. Cochrane-Johnson Currently the GNWT has no position dedicated solely towards advocating for the rights of older adults and ensuring they have access to government supports. All marginalized groups including older adults need an advocate. Each com- munity agency tries to provide this within a limited capacity and with little to no funding. In the 17th legislature the need for an Ombudsmans ofce was put forward but denied by cabinet. An Ombudsman is an independent ofcer of the Legislature who investigates complaints from the public about GNWT services recommending improvements for gov- ernance and resolving individual issues. I would support reviewing this again. THEBACHA M. Miltenberger I do not support such a position. We are a small very accessible juris- diction and our consensus system makes MLAs very effective advocates for their con- stituents. Resources are scarce and another oversight ofce in YK is not the best use of those scarce resources. L. Sebert Seniors are an ever growing group in our society. In 2014 the Province of British Columbia established the Ofce of Seniors Advocate to deal with such issues as health and personal care income support and housing. We should follow this example. D. Jaque Yes. A seniors advocate in the NWT is needed in general to acknowledge and publicize the extent that many seniors live in poverty or lack proper support services and in particular because of the extent of abuse against seniors and in particular also because of the number of assaults against older women. YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE J. Green A substantial amount of work has already been done to create an ombudsman position for the NWT. Its a piece of unnished business from the 17th Assembly. I think the ombudsman could provide services to seniors as part of hisher mandate. A position that has a broader mandate may be more likely to be funded in these tight economic times. YELLOWKNIFE NORTH D. Wong Yes. A seniors advocate is a great idea and Im all in because there are several key gaps this position could address. A seniors advocate could monitor seniors services promote awareness and work collaboratively with seniors families policy makers ser- vice providers and others to identify systemic issues that affect seniors and make recom- mendations to the territorial government. It works like this in British Columbia and it can work here too. C. Vanthuyne I must admit Im not sure what this question entails but if it means that there ought to be an Ombudsman of sorts to represent the voice for seniors on important issues than I will say two things 1 that as an elected ofcial representing the people of the North I would hope that any MLA would consider themselves to be exactly that and do Seniors proud in representing them on all territorial issues. 2 that said if seniors feel that having a specic Advocate that can advance their concerns faster and more effectively then I would certainly be in support and would look forward to working with that person on advancing seniors issues. E. Castillo Yes. An independent seniors advocate will provide a main voice for all of the NWT seniors concerns issues and needs. This would include information and referrals to seniors their families and caregivers regarding government funded seniors health continuing care and social support programs and services. The advocate can also assist in referring seniors concerns and complaints to the appropriate places. I see the advo- cate participating in all the government discussions dealing with the seniors programs and services. B. Nind Advocacy for me is tied directly to the mandate and activity of interest groups such as yourself who present their point of view by meeting with decision makers and pre- senting their case. As MLA I would be interested in knowing more of what the nuances of this position would be. I have a feeling that perhaps it may be similar to the establishment of a Seniors Secretariat as stated above. Whatever the form though I would support an ofce or position that soley addresses seniors issues. YELLOWKNIFE SOUTH B. McLeod Yes but this is only part of the answer as we need to create a culture within government where caregivers in all government agencies have the knowledge and skills to customize programs to meet the individual needs of individual seniors. The above is a paid advertisement sponsored by the NWT Seniors Society. Ideas.Action.Community Authorized by Sandra Dolan 867 445-1447 ofcial agent for Don Jaque I have the experience and skills... Now I need your mandate. Michael Miltenberger is right to say I will be a newbie in the legislature. Compared to his entrenched ways my new ideas and fresh energy will be a positive thing. In my 40 years in business in the NWT I have gained experience in many elds My company CasCom in Yellowknife run by my son - I am now a minority shareholder offers IT services and remote communication solutions across the NWT and Nunavut My territorial newspaper is present in and reports on every NWT community The many employees I have hired trained and managed over time gave me valuable skills working with people I have been on the NWT Chamber of Commerce Board the College Board of Governors and was active for 26 years in Sport North - all territorial in scope. Who is the best choice to replace Michael as MLA During my years as a journalist in the NWT I have gained a depth of knowledge on most issues that will come before the legislature As an editorial writer I have analyzed many challenges facing NWT residents and proposed common-sense solutions for them My focus would be on the Thebacha riding. Building a stronger community would be my priority. Please vote for Don Jaque for Thebacha MLA Nov. 23.