The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released an updated Northwest Territories Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA), which provides an examination of the risks that pose the greatest threat to the people, property, environment, and economy of the Northwest Territories (NWT).

This assessment is a critical part of the GNWT’s emergency management program. Identified hazards will be considered when developing territorial preparedness programs, mitigation strategies, emergency response plan exercises, and training and awareness programs.

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Mr. Speaker, I want to start by congratulating everyone who was nominated for 2022 and 2023 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards.

This program was introduced in 1991 to recognize exceptional volunteers and highlight the importance of volunteerism in the Northwest Territories. I am proud to say that over 1,000 individuals and groups have been nominated for these awards since that time.

Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Minister Vince McKay honoured 2022 and 2023 Northwest Territories (NWT) Outstanding Volunteer Awards recipients during a ceremony in Yellowknife on February 29, 2024.  These annual awards provide an opportunity to show appreciation to volunteers and volunteer organizations for their outstanding contributions in communities across the territory.

Recipients of the 2022 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards are:

The GNWT and RCMP are alerting the public that there will be a disruption to 9-1-1 Service for 15 minutes between 0100 and 0500 on Thursday February 29, 2024. People attempting to call emergency services may not be able to get through calling 9-1-1 for that 15 min period.

Media are invited to attend a special ceremony for the 2022 and 2023 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards in Yellowknife.

When: Thursday, February, 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Great Hall, Legislative Assembly

The Government of the Northwest Territories pays tribute to volunteers by annually presenting the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards. A media release will be issued on February 29, 2024 with the names of all 2022 and 2023 recipients.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the athletes, coaches, and mission staff who are representing Team NT at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska from March 10 to 16, 2024. 

The Arctic Winter Games provide an opportunity for Team NT to engage and compete with other athletes from the circumpolar region. Not only are the Games an athletic competition for athletes, it also provides an opportunity to promote cultural and social exchange among youth from all parts of the North.  

Work is underway to complete independent reviews of the 2023 wildfire season to gain a full understanding of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) wildfire and emergency response.

The ultimate goals of these reviews are to improve our effectiveness as a government and ensure we have appropriate preparedness and response strategies in place going forward.

This work has two separate components:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) invites Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation (KFN) residents and businesses to provide their feedback on 2022 flood recovery activities.

The GNWT is launching Phase 2 of the After Action Review (AAR) to hear the perspectives of those who were involved with recovery activities in the 2022 flood in Hay River and on the KFN Reserve. The first phase of the AAR took place in early 2023 and focused on preparedness and response.

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The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the 2021 Flood After-Action Review (AAR) Report. An external consultant was contracted to undertake the review to hear the perspectives of those who were involved with or affected by the 2021 flood so that the GNWT can better prepare for future emergencies.