Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is times like this when we reflect on what it means to be healthy and to be safe, what it means to move freely throughout our communities, to move freely throughout our country and throughout the world.
It is times like this that we reflect on the what-ifs and the should-haves. It is our responsibility to always do the right thing. It is our responsibility to help our family, friends, and neighbours in these trying times. Most importantly, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is everyone's responsibility to listen to the advice of our NWT Chief Public Health Officer and healthcare professionals and act on their advice. At times, we take things too lightly. We sometimes underestimate the circumstances. Sometimes information received from the Internet may get confused with the truth or fact, something we want to avoid with COVID-19 or any other potentially deadly virus.
Mr. Speaker, along with our healthcare professionals, I know that our Chief Public Health Officer is working diligently to keep the residents of the NWT as safe as possible. It is the healthcare professionals and support workers who are the front line in this battle against COVID-19. We must make certain that they are afforded the time and resources required to effectively and efficiently carry out their duties. They do not need the additional stress of public chaos or panic. What they do require is our calm and support.
Mr. Speaker, the more support we provide to the healthcare professionals by not interfering in the work they are doing or generating unwanted fear, the earlier the action plan they have developed will be in place and the safer we will all be. We know the best-laid plans can change, and we must expect and welcome that change without criticism. Everything is moving quickly and being done in the best interests of our health.
Together, let us confront the situation the world is facing. Let us show respect, support, and applaud those on the front lines, the scientists, the medical officers, the doctors, the nurses, and all the support staff, something we never do enough and should do more of.
Mr. Speaker, I will not have questions for the Minister for health, as we need her out working and consulting with her department to ensure plans are in place to keep the NWT residents free from COVID-19. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.