Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today to first thank Health and Social Services Department and authorities staff for the endless hours they have put in to protect the North from COVID-19. In addition, I would like to thank the other departments that have worked all weekend long to ensure that we have plans in place and continuity of service. Second, I would also like to thank northern businesses who are doing their part to keep Northerners safe while trying to keep businesses running as normally as possible.
I say "normal," Mr. Speaker, but these are not normal times. While businesses and public places have changed the way they operate, closed their doors, increased cleaning routines, and offered to help in any way possible, we as Northerners are being asked to do things a little differently than what we are used to. We are being asked to self-quarantine if we have been away or have flu-like symptoms; to buy only what we need and not stockpile, since stockpiling is a privilege not everyone can afford; to support friends in quarantine by staying away and making sure they have what they need; to check on our elderly and friends with compromised immune systems; and to self-police. While healthcare professionals are giving us the information we need to contain this pandemic and protect Northerners from it, they will be working flat out. This means that ensuring we are sharing accurate information, responsibly following quarantine direction, and supporting one another will be up to all Northerners.
Mr. Speaker, I have said before that the North is an incredible place. Following devastating events like deaths of loved ones, car accidents, house fires, and plane crashes, I have watched Northerners pull together and wrap themselves around one another like a warm blanket. I call it "muskoxing," where we take our most vulnerable and rally around them, protecting them until they are ready to stand with us. In essence, this is no different. Now is when we come together to inform ourselves with accurate information, support one another, and be thankful to be part of this northern family. Not only am I thankful to the incredible dedication of public servants and businesses, I am thankful to Northerners because protecting ourselves will require the diligence and collaboration of every single one of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.