Masi, Mr.Speaker. Logistical roller coaster ride for the Northwest Territories and also the people of the Northwest Territories. But each challenge has been met with calm determination. And for that, Northerners and their leaders, their frontline workers, and caregivers must be commended.

We have shown one of the best COVID-19 responses in the world and have enjoyed the benefits of that sound, science-based approach.

But, Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't get carried away congratulating ourselves in the Northwest Territories. There are still many threats and challenges out there. And as the MJ MacPherson outbreak shows, even the slightest lapse have massive consequences.

For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I want to point out a number of areas that needs attention. First, Mr. Speaker, has to do with ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Our vaccination uptake has been good so far with 60 percent fully vaccinated and almost 70 percent partially vaccinated. But uptake has been uneven in two regions, my region, as Tlicho, and Sahtu region. Less than 50 percent fully vaccinated. Males trail significantly behind females.

Mr. Speaker, some jurisdictions have resorted to non-medical incentives to convince vaccine-hesitant people to come forward. Those incentives include cash lotteries and offer special privileges.

Mr. Speaker, herd immunity is achievable but only if we are prepared to think outside of the box with incentives such as these. I call this government to study such initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, I see there are a number of precautionary COVID measures the Government needs to consider. The second one has to do with making our schools and seniors homes less vulnerable. Mr. Speaker, we can do that by upgrading our heating and ventilation system to hospital standards, because, Mr. Speaker, we can see what happens with COVID once it's unleashed in such buildings. It's worse it's worth the investment because COVID and variants are here to stay forever, Mr. Speaker.

The government needs to look into virus prevent assistance for seniors homes and also schools. If its already not looked into such investment, it should start that exercise immediately. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous Consent Granted