Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to say the situation in Fort Liard continues to improve thanks to the support of the GNWT. Yesterday, I talked about the amazing work that the community of Fort Liard has done, and today it's about the GNWT.
Following confirmation of the case of COVID in the community, the rapid response team was deployed into the community and did an amazing job of testing and informing the community of what had happened. I am happy to say that they have been demobilized. It is my understanding that one of the nurses from the team has remained in the community to follow up on test results and provide support for the local nurses. The health centre continues to provide support for emergencies and patients who require medical attention. As for the first vaccine clinic, it went very well. I am happy to say a good percentage of the residents received their vaccine and are looking forward to the second one within the second month.
In speaking with the mayor, she wanted me to thank the Premier, who reached out to her from the very beginning and continued communicating through the difficult times. As well, she is happy with the support she received from the deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, the associate deputy minister of the COVID secretariat, and the MACA regional staff. They have been helpful during this difficult time. The local and regional COVID secretariat staff have been doing an amazing job, working long hours to ensure the residents' safety and helping out at the border. The government developed a communication plan called the Dear Fort Liard campaign with CKLB, and it was a hit. Many messages of support were offered to the community members. It is my understanding that APTN National News will be doing a story on the campaign.
Mr. Speaker, school staff were well-prepared and innovative in their approach to teaching and learning in response to the school shutdown. They were quickly able to prepare and make remote learning packages available for the students. Chromebooks and Turbo Sticks were delivered to the high school students to enable them to complete and submit their final project online.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment implemented new service delivery options for income assistance to ensure continued support for residents. These alternative measures provided safe, efficient access to income support programs and services and allowed for income exemptions of other government funding intended to assist residents in lockdown.
On behalf of the community, I'd like to thank the government from the bottom of my heart for all the help they have and are providing for the community during this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.