Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have received numerous emails from constituents who read the CBC article that came out indicating this government will be covering the full costs for testing and PPE of those accommodated employees who are not vaccinated, or are only partially vaccinated.
Mr. Speaker, I have no issue with this, if it is based on those that require accommodation centered on the two conditions set out in the GNWT's vaccination policy with respect to medical exemptions. Those persons that are not willing to accept the vaccine for reasons beyond the medical exemptions, I understood each would be responsible for the cost of their testing and PPE.
The comments and concerns in the emails received were varied. A few comments stated that we are setting up a two-tiered workforce, which is penalizing those that accepted the vaccine on the recommendation of the CPHO and Canada. Others stated that we are taking away dollars that could be spent on other uses, such as busing for communities, a place where funding would make a difference.
I heard from the NWT Metis Nation today, and they are opposed to covering costs for the unvaccinated as they are encouraging their constituents to take the vaccine.
Mr. Speaker, what is the cost for this? If one assumes an average of $50 per test three times per week, it would work out to $7800 per person per year. If we are assuming approximately 900 employees require the testing and PPE, it would come in at a monthly cost of approximately $585,000 to this government. If the federal government is covering those costs then great, but our residents need to know that.
Mr. Speaker, you can see why those that are vaccinated are upset. This pandemic continues to pit community members against each other. I am sure that those who are not willing to be vaccinated are more than willing to cover the cost of testing and PPE in order to continue working. However, what the focus has to be right now is how do we keep NWT residents safe. We have to look at the tools we have and use them to ensure people are kept safe and can still place food on the table for their families. That will allow this government to place some needed attention on the economy which will benefit businesses and northern workers. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance at the appropriate time. Thank you Mr. Speaker.