Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak about the exemptions of many of the medical travel patients and their escorts, which, in most cases, include family such as children. Many of the patients have to go to Edmonton to see a specialist for serious ailments as there are not many or very few specialists in the Northwest Territories. Upon return to the NWT, they would have to self-isolate at a regional centre for 14 days. According to the document, thresholds and criteria for exemptions to self-isolate in a non-hub community for compassionate or exceptional reasons, the Chief Public Health Officer after review of requests in relation to set criteria may grant approval to self-isolate at home in their home community.

Mr. Speaker, the document goes on to state that in addition to ensuring that there are clear, compassionate or exceptional circumstances associated with an application, there is also a need to ensure that community leadership is advised of decisions made by the CPHO respecting exemptions. It goes on to state this is not an approval nor an opportunity for leadership to deny but an opportunity to expect concern or not of exemptions to isolate in their community and to be aware of exemptions.

Mr. Speaker, this is good news for many of the patients on medical travel and, perhaps, alleviate their stress of having to be away from home for long stretches of time and then do the routine all over again after the next appointment. There could be many more appointments. Mr. Speaker, a decision that is made solely by the CPHO who does not live in the communities where there are concerns with people self-isolating in the community without submitting a coronavirus test result is very concerning to the local leadership. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Mahsi.