Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the residents of the NWT have stepped up when it comes to protecting each other from the serious and deadly effects of the COVID-19 virus. Our vaccination rate, as it stands now, is about 80 percent for those over the age of 12 years.

Mr. Speaker, I have been healthy all my life. I have resisted taking medication. I only just received my second ever flu shot along with my during the 19^th Moderna vaccine booster. I did this for the protection of my family, my friends, and those who I come in contact with. In making my decision to be vaccinated, I had to rely on the experience and knowledge of the medical and scientific community.

Mr. Speaker, this government has asked the residents of the NWT to get vaccinated for their own protection and for the protection of their families and those who they come into contact with. Can we do more? Or have we reached the ceiling with vaccinations?

I hear from constituents who are eager to take the vaccine but I also hear from those who are hesitant and from some that say they will not and may never take it.

This is a decision each of those people will have to make for themselves, but it should not stop us from continuing to provide all residents with updated and accurate information on vaccines so informed decisions can be made.

Mr. Speaker, I know of residents that will not take the MNRA vaccine but may consider a viral vector-based vaccine as an alternative. We need to provide choice when it comes to vaccines.

Mr. Speaker, this has been a daunting year and a half. It has pitted members of our community against each other, family members against each other. It has impacted workers, employment options, forced businesses to close down, increased mental health issues, limited access to sports activities, and contributed to medical staff burnout.

Mr. Speaker, I believe our vaccination numbers have reached a threshold where we will not see any significant change or uptake. The question is, Where do we go from here. Do we tell people we cannot fully protect them? Tell workers they cannot make a living for their family? Tell children they cannot participate in sports activities with their friends? Tell students they cannot go to school? And tell those in care homes they will continue to be locked up even though vaccinated?

Mr. Speaker, I do encourage people to get vaccinated. And I will have questions for the Minister of Finance. Thank you.