Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is March 1st and will mark a very special day for the people of the NWT. We have reached a point in our fight with COVID19 as we transition from dealing with this as a pandemic into an endemic illness.
It was announced last week that the public health emergency will be coming to an end very soon in the NWT and with the public health orders and, with that, public health orders will also be revised. Among the changes coming into effect tomorrow include no limits on large gatherings as well as a discontinuation of vaccine passports.
Mr. Speaker, after two years of restrictions, this moment has been a long time coming for the people of the NWT. Having said that, I would also like to thank all the healthcare and essential workers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe and have kept the flow of essential goods and services continuous into our communities over the last two years.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge all school and education staff who have worked under very uncertain circumstances as they continue to serve our young people and our communities amid this pandemic. Similarly, I'd like to recognize all students both in Fort Smith and across the territory for their perseverance as they navigated this pandemic while also going to school and trying to complete their education. I know this pandemic has been hard on the mental and emotional health of students, educators, and parents.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues in this House for their cooperation through these troubling times. I would also like to thank our Chief Public Health Officer for all her work and dedication in keeping the people of the NWT safe. Thank you as well to the Premier and the COVID Secretariat for enforcing the public health restrictions and providing oversight during the pandemic. And thank you to Minister Green and the Department of Health for keeping our jurisdiction among the lowest of deaths due to COVID19. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
