Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In December, Health Canada authorized the use of two separate COVID-19 vaccines for human consumption. Both vaccines were developed by private companies, named Pfizer and Moderna. Following Health Canada's approval, the Government of the Northwest Territories received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine on December 28th, and by December 31st, NWT residents began receiving their first of two doses.
Mr. Speaker, as of yesterday, there have been over 12,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine administered across the Northwest Territories. I am happy to share with everyone that, as of January 23rd, I have received my first dose of the vaccine. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I know there are segments of the general public who remain hesitant about having the COVID-19 vaccine, which is concerning. I hope that my experience of taking the vaccine can help others to feel more willing to also take the vaccine.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the healthcare workers across the NWT; to Minister Green; to Dr. Kandola, the Chief Public Health Officer; and to Premier Cochrane for all of their tireless work during this pandemic. Also, specifically, I would like to thank the Fort Smith frontline workers for administering the vaccine to my community.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I have an important message for all of the NWT residents regarding recovered COVID-19 patients and any cases that occur here in the future. It is extremely important that we do not discriminate against our fellow residents if they have contracted COVID-19. We must be understanding, compassionate, supportive, and remain in solidarity regardless of how people contracted the disease, just as we have done for the residents of Fort Liard. We must stick together and continue to look out for each other during these uncertain times. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.