Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Vince McKay issued the following statement in response to receiving the final After-Action Review (AAR) of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) emergency response to the 2023 wildfire season—one of the most significant public safety events in the territory’s history.

Premier R.J. Simpson:

“I would like to thank Transitional Solutions Inc. and the independent oversight committee for their work in delivering this review. The AAR provides an objective, third-party assessment of emergency preparedness, evacuations, and public safety operations during the 2023 wildfire season.

Like many Northerners, I was evacuated from my home and community. I understand how disruptive and distressing this time was for residents, responders, and entire communities. This review reflects what people lived through and the lessons we need to take forward. I want to thank everyone who contributed—especially those who shared their experiences and insights.

I also want to recognize GNWT staff who worked through incredibly challenging circumstances during those times. Your efforts helped keep people safe, and your experience will continue to shape how we respond going forward.

The GNWT has already taken action in many of the areas identified in the report. We will now take the time to study all of the recommendations closely, and we’ll continue working in partnership with Indigenous and community governments to strengthen emergency preparedness and response in the territory.”

Minister Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs:

“I know firsthand how difficult the summer of 2023 was for people across the Northwest Territories. Many residents were deeply affected by the smoke, the evacuations, and the destruction brought on by the worst wildfire season the territory has ever experienced. This review offers a clear, honest look at how the GNWT and our partners responded. It highlights the work that made a difference during the crisis and points to where we need to improve.

It builds on work already underway across the GNWT to improve emergency management. Since the 2023 wildfire season, we’ve updated the NWT Emergency Plan to clarify roles and responsibilities, implemented new training across the public service, and relaunched public awareness campaigns like Be Ready.

We are also working with community governments to update local emergency plans, building surge capacity across departments, and collaborating with Indigenous governments through the Council of Leaders to support long-term improvements.

This After-Action Review will help us learn from the challenges of 2023 and provides clear, practical recommendations to improve how we prepare for and respond to emergencies. Many of the report’s findings reinforce the direction we’ve already taken, and we’ll continue reviewing the recommendations to determine where further action is needed.”

Next Steps

The GNWT is preparing a formal response to the report’s recommendations, which will be released in summer 2025. This process includes reviewing each recommendation, assessing potential changes, and developing a coordinated, whole-of-government action plan.

Until that time, the GNWT will reserve further comment on the AAR and its findings.

While the AAR is an important milestone, the GNWT is not starting from scratch. Significant work is already underway, and the review affirms the steps being taken to build a more responsive, inclusive, and resilient emergency management system for the Northwest Territories.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca