Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would ask the Minister, will there be an opportunity for those that were impacted to be either reinstated in their positions, or at least have the opportunity to reapply and be rehired when that policy falls off the table? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So can you tell me for them to keep their positions, was it mandatory for them to have the vaccine?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I guess, you know, I have a lot of people come to my office, a lot of artisans selling goods, and a lot of those goods are made with commercially tanned hides. And I ask them all the time, why don't you use traditional tanned hides? Because we can't access the hides. No, we're not some of the hunters, harvesters, aren't bringing them out of the bush. And maybe they do it in Fort Simpson but I get people from Providence, Simpson, all over, come to me to sell stuff, and it's an issue.

So what I'd like to see, I guess, is that as part of this is that we provide that we can...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our GDP fell approximately 6.6 percent in 2020, mostly due to lower production with resource development. We saw losses in the tourism industry which impacted tourism operators, regional airlines, accommodation establishments, restaurants, and others. On the flip side, we saw an increase in retail sales, such as food, building supplies, and liquor while government and government contracts sustained much of our work force through this pandemic. Can the Premier explain what the real financial impact of the pandemic has been on our economy so far? Should...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Emerging Stronger document talks about lessons learned. Now a year later, can the Premier tell this House what lessons were learned, what gaps have been identified, and how are they being addressed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these questions will be for the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, this government has been talking about postpandemic recovery since early last year. Then we finally saw the Emerging Stronger document. A lot has changed in a year, and I'm hoping those sitting across from me have revisited that document to make sure it is relevant and includes all areas of the economy and social systems with emphasis on those that were hit the hardest.

Can the Premier please tell the businesses and residents what, if anything, has changed in our Emerging Stronger document, which I...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, knowing that another severe variant may rear its ugly head, from lessons learned does this government have a plan in place or that addresses business relief and support and social supports if we find ourselves taking a step backwards in this pandemic? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to hear that there is a plan in the works and that we'll hear something this week. I think constituents and people throughout the territory will be happy as well to actually hear something.

Mr. Speaker, we have seen COVID19 variants with the latest being less severe than others. Now I hear there's a B2 I think, coming out that may be a little more severe and can transfer 1.4 times more quicker than the B1.

So can the Minister tell the residents of the NWT what is her department's plan if another variant surfaces that causes severe health issues...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the majority of residents on both sides of the fence do not expect a complete opening tomorrow, as much as some would welcome it. What I'm hearing people say is that they're wanting to see restrictions such as mask and vaccine passports removed or turned into recommendations. They want to see opening in sports and other venues where vaccinated and unvaccinated can participate. They want to see the SIP plan go away.

So Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister what do I tell the residents of Hay River and those throughout the NWT when they ask, what is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'll be brief. Today I will speak of pandemic restrictions here in the Northwest Territories. Firstly, out of respect and appreciation, it is important to acknowledge the work that Dr. Kandola and her medical team have undertaken over the past two years in working to protect the health of all residents in the Northwest Territories – something that must not be lost on us – and for this I say "thank you."

Mr. Speaker, this pandemic has impacted all our daily lives. It required engaging medical science as lives were being lost. It forced governments to make timely...