Mr. Speaker, I stand to table a petition signed by residents of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and others near the region, who are calling on the Government of Canada to assist in the funding required to build a vital elders home facility in Wiikwemkoong. The petitioners note that funding has been received from the Government of Ontario, CMHC and community members, but a funding shortfall of $20 million remains.
Petitioners also note that the Government of Canada has also funded health care facilities in the largely indigenous community of Moosonee, a long-term care home for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and a seniors long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet.
The current facility in Wiikwemkoong has reached the end of its life expectancy, and it is vital for the community to ensure that elders can stay in their community to share their knowledge and experience with younger generations. Petitioners indicate that this would actually impact their ability to also remain in close proximity to their family. They also do not want to be subjected to another era of assimilation.