Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm offing today, so. Mr. Speaker, the North American Indigenous Games will take place in and around Halifax from July 15th to 23rd this summer, with a multitude of sports.
Mr. Speaker, many Indigenous athletes and volunteers from the Northwest Territories have been looking forward to taking part in this event and, for some, they now find their dreams may be dashed due to a requirement to show proof of vaccination. It's the role of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games host society board and staff to ensure the games follow all policies and requirements established by the North American Indigenous Games Council, including the vaccine requirement which they have made mandatory for participation in this event.
Mr. Speaker, some of our northern athletes and volunteers are questioning why it is that these games are open only to those that can show proof of vaccination, while the province of Nova Scotia, where the games will take place, states that, and I quote, "Proof of full vaccination is no longer required to participate in discretionary, nonessential events and activities that gather people together (like going to restaurants, movies, sports events, theatre performances, social events, and the gym)."
Mr. Speaker, I find it hard to believe that I am still speaking about COVID vaccination requirements considering gathering restrictions have been lifted throughout most of Canada and the United States. I would expect that the decision to include and implement such a policy would be based on science and would align with current public health guidelines and advice throughout Canada and the United States. We have seen many sporting events, such as the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship, the 2023 Arctic Winter Games, the Canada Winter Games, and the Ontario Hockey Federation, remove the restrictive COVID19 proof of vaccination requirements for participants.
Speaker, these individuals are aware that organizations, such as North American Indigenous Games, have the choice to implement their own vaccination policies. However, just as we had science to prove vaccinations worked and most complied, we have science saying it is not a reasonable requirement anymore and may even be subject to a Charter challenge. It is important we continue to embrace that science and move towards a collective approach in lifting vaccine requirements for events such as the North American Indigenous Games. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, not doing so will take away not only the dreams of our Indigenous youth but opportunities for each to rise as ambassadors, role models, professional athletes, and find success in future endeavors, all due to participating in sports. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
