Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to speak about the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to the community of Fort Liard. As I've heard numerous times, now more than ever we need to come together to support each other. I am proud to say that the community of Fort Liard, local government and residents, the GNWT, and the residents across the NWT have done this with so much class. The response to the COVID crisis has made a positive impact within their community and shows the true spirit of all Northerners.
Being respectful of time and realizing that I cannot do justice to thank everybody in one Member's statement, I will be doing two. The first one highlights some of the amazing things being done by the hamlet, stores, and residents of the community. Here are some of the highlights from the community. As soon as they were aware of the first confirmed case, they kicked in the MO team leadership, RCMP, health centre, and the COVID personnel to start working on things that needed to be done. The hamlet council provided relief for all the residents for the December community services, providing gift cards for groceries for those in need and doing a draw for all residents who got their vaccines, 12 in total, six $100 Visas to each store, most stores being open to provide services to the residents and working on ways to help people.
The hamlet hired a person to assist in the delivery of items for individuals who are currently isolating. The mayor went door-to-door, checking in on residents and seeing if there were any concerns that she should be aware of or if they needed any help, and provided the rapid response team and the vaccine team with a place to stay, feeding them during their time in the community. The local radio, 95.1, provided updates and information on what was happening in both Slavey and English. This was a big help in getting the information out to our elders.
The residents understand the importance of following the recommendations set out by the Chief Public Health Officer. There are many things that I have heard, and all I can say is thank God for the community of Fort Liard working together to help each other in these trying times. Please be safe and follow the rules as we continue to take on this COVID pandemic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.