Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I wasn’t at all sure what I would speak about today, but then on my way home I took a detour and stopped at the multiplex for my flu shot. What great work our Health department has done, is doing and will do.
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Many people probably caught the news last night but didn’t get much besides H1N1 coverage. All across Canada, vaccination clinics have huge line-ups, four to five-hour waits, 2,000 people in line for 800 doses available at a clinic. That means 1,200 people were turned away there. But no one should panic. There will be enough vaccine to go around, just not this week. By Christmas, everyone in Canada who wants a flu shot will have had it. So contrast the experience in Toronto to my experience last night. Here’s my story.
First, a five minute wait -- hardly noticed as I chatted with someone I hadn’t seen for quite a while -- then a friendly face directs me to registration. Another familiar face there. Four to five questions, show my health care card, get a number. Hey, I’m number one. Like magic, no wait required. Nurse station number six is open and off I go. Another smile, we chat a few more questions. Here we go, she says. Ouch! I’m all done. I wait the obligatory 15 minutes, which again passes quickly as I chat with old friends and watch the parade of families coming in for their shots. We are so lucky to be in the NWT and not Toronto.
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Just this morning at eight o’clock Toronto time, there were 500 people lined up for shots at a clinic that was due to open two hours later. We are so lucky to have smart, creative, dedicated health professionals in our Territory.
The YK clinic is a beautiful piece of work, efficient, pleasant and reassuring. Thanks to the medical personnel for all their hard work, and as the travelling teams depart for the communities outside of YK, I wish them safe travels, have fun and enjoy the tour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
