Mr. Speaker, I know that renewing our government's relationship with Indigenous governments is important to all Members. That is why the 19th Legislative Assembly has established settling and implementing treaty, land, resources, and self-government agreements as one of its priorities. We have also made it a priority to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
On June 5th each year, we commemorate Inuvialuit Day to celebrate the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984. In many ways, this agreement led the way for the future negotiation of land, resources, and self-government agreements in the Northwest Territories and perhaps all of Canada. The Inuvialuit Final Agreement was the first comprehensive land claim agreement north of the 60th parallel and only the second of its kind in Canada. The final agreement designates over 90,000 square kilometres of land as the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and includes close to 13,000 square kilometres of subsurface ownership and certain wildlife harvesting rights within the region. The agreement also established the Inuvialuit Development Corporation to support Inuvialuit self-reliance by providing a solid economic base that allows them to participate fully in the Canadian economy.
Just as importantly, the final agreement gave Inuvialuit a guaranteed right to participate in important decisions affecting the Inuvialuit Settlement Region: it established the Inuvialuit Game Council, ensured Inuvialuit participation on co-management boards, and led to the creation of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. To this day, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation remains one of this government's most important and valued partners. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation was the first Indigenous government to join with our government in signing on to the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle in January 2011, and their support and participation in the negotiation of the final agreement was invaluable to our government. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation continues to be a strong supporter and ally as a member of the Intergovernmental Council on Lands and Resource Management. Following devolution, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and our government jointly advocated to Canada for a start to Arctic offshore oil and gas accord negotiations as called for in the Devolution Agreement. These negotiations began in the spring of 2019, and the GNWT and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation share an interest in bringing more decision-making authority to the North as part of this accord.
Earlier this year, we celebrated Gwich'in Day. Later this summer, we celebrate two additional important landmarks for the people of the Northwest Territories. Sahtu Day on June 23rd will mark the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, and August 4th will mark the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Tlicho Agreement. We look forward to recognizing these accomplishments with our Indigenous government partners and continuing to build on the vision of reconciliation expressed in these agreements. On June 21st, we will also celebrate National Indigenous People's Day. This is a day to celebrate the first peoples of Canada, including the rich and diverse cultures of the Dene, Inuit, and Metis peoples. National Indigenous People's Day also serves as a reminder that we are stronger and more successful when our public government works in cooperation with Indigenous governments throughout the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, our collaboration with the Inuvialuit, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, and the Tlicho are just three examples of the government-to-government relationships we are building with all Indigenous governments of the Northwest Territories. We look forward to continuing to build and strengthen these particularly important relationships. The future of the Northwest Territories depends on partnerships. One of the things that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated is that we are all connected. Everybody has been affected by this pandemic, and all governments have had to work hard together to protect the health of Northwest Territories residents.
Indigenous governments are a critical partner for us, and that is why our government has been meeting weekly with them throughout the pandemic to discuss our response and how we can work together to serve our people. While this pandemic will not last, I look forward to continued close collaboration between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous governments in the years to come. We ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Inuvialuit people on the 36th anniversary of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We recognize that supporting vulnerable residents in need of housing or at risk of homelessness across the Northwest Territories is an essential part of the overall response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has been working to ensure that we meet the needs of our residents during this difficult and challenging time. The need for social distancing due to COVID-19 has a significant impact on how we support our residents and highlighted the need for all of us to work together, respect one another, and be resourceful of hope in these trying times.
To support meeting the housing and shelter needs of Northwest Territories residents during this pandemic, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced $5 million in supportive initiatives that recognize the vulnerable residents who have limited ability to self-isolate safely. This included $1.4 million to create housing for persons at risk or persons experiencing homelessness to self-isolate and $3.6 million to bring on stream up to approximately 130 units across the Northwest Territories that are either available for occupancy or in need of renovations to meet the core housing needs. Now that these units are no longer required by the Emergency Management Organization, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is in the process of re-allocating these units to the corporation's rental programs: public housing, market rental, affordable rental, or to support homeownership. The re-allocation of these units will help to alleviate overcrowding in smaller communities. Sixty of these units are available for immediate allocation. These units will decrease the wait lists across the Northwest Territories and make us better prepared should there be a second wave of COVID-19.
Mr. Speaker, we also recognize that some residents are facing economic challenges due to the virus. To meet the needs, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation enhanced the Transitional Rent Supplement Program by extending the program to August, streamlining the application process, and simplifying the requirements for participants. Where there were approximately 40 applicants for the program, participants last year, this year we are helping 150 households. One of the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic is that the sudden loss of income could lead to residents being at risk of homelessness. In anticipation of this, we increased the budget for the Homelessness Assistance Fund from $125,000 to $300,000. This program provides financial assistance for the private rental market for people to find stable housing. We have been working to ensure that these applications are processed as quickly as possible, as we know that these times are extremely stressful for our residents.
Mr. Speaker, we have been working with community partners to access buildings to help serve as isolation centres for the vulnerable people who are at greater risk to be in contact with COVID-19. Under this action, we leased Aspen Apartments from the federal government to provide 36 additional units in Yellowknife; and we have accommodated up to 18 people to be sheltered that are experiencing homelessness at the North Country Inn in Hay River. During this pandemic period, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation continues to be accessible to residents even with the realities of many working remotely. As such, emergency 1-800 numbers were set up for homelessness assistance, emergency repair, and access to the Transitional Rent Supplement Program.
Mr. Speaker, as we begin recovery, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation will be an important contributor to the economic recovery of the Northwest Territories. We will be working with communities to ensure that construction, renovation, and repair work is done in a safe and considerate manner, and bring in much needed economic benefits to our smaller communities. Lastly, even though we have entered into stage one of the pandemic recovery plan, I would like to remind our tenants that the risks posed by COVID-19 are not over. I know that with the easing of social distancing, we want to gather and spend time with family and friends, but we all need to follow the directions of the Chief Public Health Officer. Let us be considerate, helpful, kind, and keep washing our hands and following these orders.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation staff and the local housing authorities who have been creative, flexible, and responsive throughout this pandemic. They have gone above and beyond to provide direct, appropriate assistance to the residents of the Northwest Territories. Their time, energy, and countless hours are extremely appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would again like to raise current issues surrounding the monitoring and enforcement of the COVID-19 orders established by the Chief Public Health Officer. I continue to receive numerous calls about persons, businesses, and visitors not following the Chief Public Health Officer's orders in the community of Hay River. I have been informed time and time again that we continue to have drug dealers and others snubbing the orders while we put these people up in hotels at this government's expense.
In addition, the community is experiencing an influx of southern workers who are not following the orders. A worker who attended a retail outlet in Hay River informed the owner he had just arrived in town and was not required to self-isolate and was only required to wear a mask, which he did not have on. Another was a visiting salesperson who was selling windows. That person was going door to door and interacting with residents, something I assume we want to avoid. A final example is that of a local retailer who required a certified relief worker in the health field who filed an application with Protect NWT. It took over two weeks to receive confirmation the person would be allowed in. The response was received too late, and the worker changed his mind. That put our northern business in a difficult position. The result is overworked health care workers.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that Protect NWT is probably swamped with calls. If they are understaffed, I expect this government to provide them with the additional support required to provide timely and consistent responses. When we open our borders, it is imperative that the responsible department have a plan to protect those communities closest to NWT entry points. If we expect to uphold the orders of the Chief Public Health Officer, then this government needs to support Protect NWT, monitoring, enforcement, and border security with additional staff. What we have in Hay River right now is not working. Mr. Speaker, in addition, northern businesses are finding the process for bringing in essential or supply chain workers to be not efficient. These businesses want to do the right thing, however, are finding the application process both confusing and time consuming. There are no clear answers when clarification is requested. The process must be clear and concise if we expect to retain those businesses in the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I'm rising in the House to recognize Nunakput's class of 2020 graduates in our communities. There is nothing better than hearing parents and teachers celebrating the accomplishments of our students who have completed their school studies and onto new endeavours. Graduating in high school is a big deal. It takes study and a commitment. Graduation in the North is a bigger deal than what it is because of what we have to do is travel outside of our home communities in our riding. Sometimes, travelling and living outside the communities for our studies, graduation also marks entry to our young people into the adult world to begin their bigger dreams by pursuing trades, moving to post-secondary education, or entering the workforce.
Today, I want to congratulate the students of Nunakput on this monumental achievement and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. From Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulukhatok, congratulations to Mitchell Inuktalik, Lucy Ann Okheena, and Alexandria Bankskand. From Mangilaluk in Tuktoyaktuk, I want to congratulate the following graduates: Eriel Lugt, Shaeli Pokiak, Jewel Keevik, Carmen Kuptana, Gabrielle Nogasak, Demaris Elias-Noksana, Anna Panaktalok, and Roslyn Rogers. Out of Sachs Harbour, Alexis Lucas, who had to graduate in Inualthuyak; and Paulatuk Angik School, Shannon Green, Jorgon Ruben, Gracie Nakmaik, and Figuris Krengnaktuk. We are all very proud of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and to keep continue in school, and all the best to them in 2020. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I spoke about the lack of cell service coverage between Ray Junction and Yellowknife. Today, I'm going to speak about the maintenance camp along the highway. Mr. Speaker, our government's highway maintenance workers are some of the most critical public servants in the territory. Without them, the travel in the Northwest Territories will grind to a halt, and where would we be, Mr. Speaker? In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, I want to thank all the maintenance workers for their dedication to their duty. They are the unsung heroes of the supply chain that keeps our territory operating through good times and bad times. In light of their importance in the territory, I find it ironic that our highway maintenance workers are so badly disrespected by the government. I refer to Edzo highway camp, which is understaffed and ill-equipped that it's a wonder our workers don't go on strike. I will have questions for the appropriate Minister later on today. Masi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since March, a lot of my questions that I have been receiving have been in regards to COVID-19. I've heard from my constituents about their thoughts as well on the Emerging Wisely plan. There are some residents who support the closed borders and the strict rules in place, and there are those who want to know why, since we've had no cases since April, we are under such strict rules at the borders and the borders remain closed. Mr. Speaker, with our neighbouring territory, the Yukon is planning on opening up a lot faster than us. This has increased the questions of concern for those who are against opening up and those who are wanting to have loosening of the restrictions. They would like an explanation as to why we cannot return to normal, at least within the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, you're well aware the ferries will be opening up to the Yukon this weekend in our region, and many of my residents are asking when they will be able to travel without isolating when they return. With the recent news of the Yukon possibly opening up to BC by July, is travelling even a possibility for the NWT residents there? For those who do not want to stay home and want to go camping overnight, I'm glad to hear that we may be going into phase 2 by next Friday, according to Dr. Kandola's announcement. It will, at least, give the residents some freedom. I will have questions for the Minister of health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we move on from the first wave of the COVID-19, I can't help but wonder what the second wave of this pandemic might have in store for us later this year. Our territory has endured the first wave of COVID-19 with relatively good success, seeing as we have only had five cases, all of whom have recovered, and no community transmission. We are now about to enter phase 2 of our territory's Emerging Wisely plan of reopening the economy to regular life. However, Mr. Speaker, I remain concerned about our territory's level of preparedness for future waves of COVID-19, or even for future pandemics that we may face down the road. My primary concern, though, is about our regional centres and small communities' level of preparedness.
In an April 6, 2020, interview, the Premier stated that the Stanton Territorial Hospital was well-equipped and well-stocked with personal protective equipment. Missing from the Premier's answers, however, was any information about any small community's level of preparedness. Do other communities have face masks, gowns, protective glasses, or ventilators? Do health centres and nursing stations have the proper procedures in place to deal with one positive case of COVID-19, let alone a potential outbreak?
Mr. Speaker, this government has also stopped short of sharing any projections of potential COVID-19 cases transmitted across the NWT. Sure, we are a small populated territory, but that shouldn't prevent us from releasing basic projection data, just as any other province would. I think releasing this type of information would help the people of the NWT to see where the vulnerabilities lie for our territory in the face of global pandemic. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, monsieur le President. On May 19th, the Giant Mine oversight board released its fourth annual report. Once again, the failure to deliver socioeconomic benefits to Indigenous peoples and northern residents is front and centre. Since 2005-2006, about $500 million has been spent on the Giant Mine site. It is estimated that another $750 million will be spent on future active remediation. After that, annual perpetual care costs are estimated at $2.35 to $5.66 million for the next 100 years. This will be the largest-ever government-funded capital project in the Northwest Territories.
Northern employment at the site does not appear to have ever exceeded 50 percent, with less than 20 percent Indigenous. Northern contracting is not much better. The board has been unable to determine whether there are any efforts of capacity-building and ensuring that barriers to local employment or contracting are minimized. Residents continue to express anxiety about whether they will be able to take full advantage of the employment and business opportunities that will increase when full site remediation begins in 2021. There is still no plan to ensure northern benefits from remediation at Giant Mine. No one seems to take any responsibility for pushing this forward, including this government.
The board concluded that the challenge is rooted in the absence of an effective and experienced champion to carry these messages forward and coordinate them to an effective end. It is now recommended that a special envoy be appointed by the federal government to coordinate the development and implementation of a socioeconomic strategy, monitor the outcomes of the two socioeconomic committees, and negotiate changes as required; report directly to the relevant federal and territorial Ministers and make those findings public in an annual report; facilitate information-sharing with the broader Yellowknife community; and finally, facilitate discussions on project-related reconciliation.
The special envoy would have significant experience in government relations, cross-cultural issues, and negotiating complex issues. It is recommended that significant resources will be made available to ensure the success of this position and that it should be located in Yellowknife. I will have questions later today for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, who has the lead on the Giant Mine for GNWT, on whether we can expect to realize real socioeconomic benefits from this project. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Preserving language and culture is a priority, and implementing the structure to restore the pristine language and culture of the Northwest Territories brings a large and unique focus to our Indigenous people. Today, I want to display and recognize the appreciation and contribution of Ms. Phoebe Tatti, originally from Deline, born and raised on Great Bear Lake.
Ms. Phoebe Tatti has demonstrated her unique ability to teach, translate, and enlighten the importance of preserving the North Slavey language. She has displayed her accomplishments through Indigenous linguistics, interpreting, and activism as a storyteller and media host. She played a critical role in developing not only Dene language children's books but advancing the Northwest Territories education curriculum to include the first Dene language curriculum of the Northwest Territories.
Ms. Tatti is highly recognized amongst educational jurisdictions throughout Canada and did promote the Slavey language to demonstrate the international language and documentation during a conference and included her time spent interpreting for the Berger Inquiry, the implementation of the Sahtu Dene Metis comprehensive land claim agreement. She was a host interpreter for CBC North current affairs program. Her experience led her to become the co-chair for the Aboriginal language task force for the Northwest Territories. Ms. Phoebe Tatti completed her degree in education and further more pursued her master's degree in Indigenous language and revitalization. With her knowledge, experience, and education, Ms. Phoebe Tatti also served as the former commissioner of language for the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, today, I want to highly recognize Ms. Phoebe Tatti, who has received an honourary doctorate from Concord University that recognizes her passion, dedication, and efforts that contribute to rebuilding the enhancement and continue the education and awareness to preserve the North Slavey languages and the languages of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I want to highly thank the contributions of Ms. Phoebe Tatti; her time, her passion to preserve the Indigenous languages for the Northwest Territories, and her knowledge and leadership that inspires women, Indigenous women, to break those barriers and continue to lead with integrity and compassion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Sahtu. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to acknowledge the passing of a very important member of our community, Mr. Les Rocher. I am not sure anyone can quite measure the contribution Les made to the very fabric of Yellowknife. Les was raised in Old Town, and his rugged style and straight talk are largely a reflection of this entire town. Les was a Titan of real estate in Yellowknife, yet he never lost his Old Town charm and was always willing to go for a drive or provide a detailed history of nearly every building and lot in this town. Les's encyclopedic knowledge of Yellowknife made him a historian and invaluable resource on how to get things done.
Mr. Speaker, I recall once discussing the purchase of the old Hudson's Bay building in Yellowknife with Les, part of a plan to use the building as a potential artists' centre, a dream I hope can still one day be fulfilled. Before any mention of price could be discussed, Les made sure I, some young lawyer, was fully lectured on the entire history of the building and the days when sled dogs were still a common way to transport goods purchased from the Hudson's Bay. Les truly cared about this town.
Les's parents, John and Mary, came to Yellowknife in the 1950s and settled in Old Town. Yellowknife was just then a town in the midst of a gold-mining boom. However, in time, Les's Swap Shop would emerge, and Les would expand the family business, Quality Furniture. In a climate where development is never easy, Les played a role in putting up hundreds if not nearly thousands of homes, Mr. Speaker. My guess is most long-time Yellowknifers have likely lived in a Rocher home at some point. Les was a symbol of the spirit, ambition, and fearless can-do attitude that defines Yellowknife to this day. I know his memory will live on, and we should all take inspiration from his vision and ability to bring that vision into fruition. I would also like to thank Les and the entire Rocher family for all the intangible things they have done which build a community. Les knew his community. Whether a person was rich or poor, he was always willing to take a risk on them and give his time to those in need. That commitment to community-oriented causes translated to support for social clubs, historical groups, cultural events, and there is no doubt that Les had a big heart, Mr. Speaker.
COVID-19 has made grieving difficult at times, but in a spirit Les would be proud of, Yellowknife found a way. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all those who organized and took part in the memorial parade for Les. There were literally hundreds of people out on the road for one last drive with Les. Les Rocher is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sandra McDaniel, their six children, three grandchildren. I believe there is one more on the way, Mr. Speaker. When COVID permits, I know there will be a very large celebration of life for Les Rocher as there was no doubt much to celebrate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to recognize Mr. Richard Gleeson joining us today in the gallery. It's always good to have an audience with us. Also, to our interpreters, I would like to thank you for all of the work you have been doing over the last couple of weeks with us. It's very important work that you do to communicate what we are doing here in the House, and I would just like to thank you. Sometimes, it means a lot to just hear, when you are doing work, such a simple thing as "thank you," so mahsi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, it was announced that the Tlicho Community Service Agency received accreditation status from Accreditation Canada. Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety of healthcare and accredits health organizations in Canada and around the world.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to all involved. A compliance rate of 98 percent is something to be very proud of. Please join me in congratulating the Tlicho Community Service Agency in their highest achievement for NWT, along with the Hay River Health and Social Service Authority and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Service Authority. Congratulations, and keep up the great work for making a difference for the Northwest Territories. Masi.
---Applause
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I would assume that Protect NWT's slow response time is caused by staff shortage and the high volume of calls they are receiving. Can the Minister tell me: how many calls has Protect NWT received to date, and is it increasing or decreasing? What are the average calls per day? What is the nature of the calls? Are they for exemptions, monitoring, enforcement, reporting, or general information? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since issuing the first public health order on March 21st, Protect Northwest Territories has responded to over 12,000 phone calls. We have processed over 5,300 self-isolation plans, and we have responded to more than 9,000 emails. On an average basis, Protect Northwest Territories receives about 144 calls a day. Currently, the call and email volumes remain very high, and staffing is a priority to meet the demands. Calls and emails received related to self-isolation requirements for residents and essential service workers, compliance, enforcement, requests for information about orders, requests for exceptional-circumstance approvals, and redirecting enquiries to other pandemic response services. Any time there is a compliance concern, the case gets forwarded to the compliance and enforcement task force. In the last week, we have had 52 cases around self-isolation and travel restriction concerns, 10 concerns on gatherings, and 31 public health enquiries from businesses.
That was a mouthful. Response time by Protect NWT has been an issue, so I would ask the Minister: have we added or considered adding additional staff to Protect NWT to address the slow response time to questions because, evidently, there are a lot of requests?
Mr. Speaker, having the necessary human resource support is very crucial to Protect NWT and the compliance enforcement task force being able to carry out mandates successfully, especially in a timely manner, and staffing is a priority for Protect Northwest Territories. The original team was largely made up of a small group of GNWT employees who were redeployed to assist with this component of the COVID-19 response work. With GNWT employees returning to positions, it has been difficult as hiring is a combination of casual positions and mature summer student positions. Staffing actions are not only to replace the GNWT workers but also to add to the team, given the workload demands. I do want to add that our department wishes to acknowledge the contributions of these redeployed GNWT employees and also thank them for their skills and passion in this area of work and coming to work for our department from other areas within the GNWT.
I think we all appreciate the work that the staff has done, as well. Mr. Speaker, if we are to open our borders at some point, it is imperative that the responsible department consider increasing our monitoring enforcement staff in communities at NWT entry points. This is crucial. Once the borders open, will the Minister commit to additional staff being added to monitoring and enforcement staff?
We have no plans to lift travel restrictions any time soon. We do recognize that we do need to accommodate those protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and we also need to ensure that the Northwest Territories residents have access to essential services, often provided by those who are travelling from other jurisdictions. I would also agree with the Member that ensuring that we have the necessary staffing is crucial to our continued efforts to reduce the public health risk of COVID-19 to Northwest Territories residents. The department has a better understanding of where the pressure points are in implementing and enforcing the Chief Public Health Officer's orders, having had time now to review some operations. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer will be looking at all GNWT departments for some support to make this adjustment.
Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my statement, I constantly receive calls from constituents about southern workers coming into the NWT and not self-isolating, not self-monitoring, and not wearing proper PPE. Residents are becoming short tempered and discouraged at what is taking place. We need added staff to monitor and provide enforcement in Hay River. Can the Minister provide me with some guidance as to what I can tell the residents of Hay River to alleviate their concerns about those not self-isolating and how they will be dealt with?
Currently, the default is that essential service workers must self-isolate when they travel within the Northwest Territories. However, employers can apply for their workers to be exempt from this self-isolation requirements if they take other necessary measures and get special approval from the Chief Public Health Officer. Supply chain workers can be in the Northwest Territories for less than 36 hours. They must socially distance while they're here, but they do not need to self-isolate while working. This could include truckers who are coming, unload their goods that are being delivered, get something to eat, turn around, and get to their point of origin. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.
