Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Residents of Hay River are wondering what is happening with the security on our border on Highway No. 1. Last evening, I received a call concerning a person who arrived in Hay River and was visiting job sites, attempting to sell mechanic tools. I was informed this individual was from Alberta and entered the NWT as an essential service. In Hay River, we have businesses that sell tools; we have a retailer that has his own truck filled with tools that is sitting at home because he is following our rules.
Mr. Speaker, a second complaint involved a person who once resided in Hay River, still owns property in Hay River, but has been living in the South for a number of years. The person, if not living in the NWT, I assume would not have the appropriate NWT identification, as it is a requirement to change driver's licence and healthcare if you are not a resident here.
In the first instance, as far as I know the person did not self-isolate and visited businesses around the community. In the second example, the person did self-isolate, which was confirmed through Facebook posts. Mr. Speaker, the MLA for the Deh Cho discussed border security issues yesterday. With all the complaints we hear concerning border security, we could continue these statements until a vaccine is found for COVID-19.
I want to be clear. I do not fault the personnel working the border. They are restricted by the information or lack of information they are working with. There will continue to be gaps and grey areas. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a reason to want to cross into the NWT. Some are valid. Some pull at the heart strings. Others are fabricated.
The people of the Hay River and the South Slave want answers on the level and quality of security this government is delivering at the border. We are telling our residents to believe in us, to be patient with us, and to conform. However, they see non-residents coming in and not following the orders established by the Chief Public Health Officer. I know they are becoming discouraged and for good reason. It is time to give them some real answers. Thank you Mr. Speaker.